Endorsement in Driver Education (Graduate Non-Degree)
Hours: 9 Online
About
The Endorsement in Driver Education (Graduate Non-Degree) at Fort Hays State University is designed to equip participants with a thorough understanding of driver education in Kansas. This endorsement consists of three 3-credit-hour courses, each focused on building the essential knowledge and instructional skills required to effectively teach driver education.
Licensed educators currently teaching in Kansas public schools may apply to the Kansas State Department of Education to add this endorsement to their valid Kansas teaching license, expanding their qualifications and instructional opportunities.
Why pursue an Endorsement in Driver Education at Fort Hays State University?
Fort Hays State University is the only institution in Kansas offering this specialized endorsement, providing educators with the credentials necessary to teach driver education. The endorsement equips participants with the essential knowledge and instructional strategies to effectively educate young drivers on traffic laws, responsible driving habits, and the critical importance of road safety.
Who is this program for?
Our endorsement is tailored for various groups, each benefiting uniquely from the comprehensive understanding of driver education it offers. It is specifically created for the following individuals:
- Educators seeking professional growth
- Aspiring driver education instructors who seek employment in a K-12 public, accredited school
- Driver education instructors seeking employment in a commercial driving school
- School administrators promoting traffic safety
Learning Outcomes
Upon completing the Endorsement in Driver Education (Graduate Non-Degree), graduates will be ready to instill the essential skills and knowledge required for safe and responsible driving among their students. The learning outcomes are:
Content Knowledge
Aspiring driver education teachers acquire in-depth knowledge and apply essential concepts from the curriculum. It consists of a comprehensive understanding of the safe operation of a motor vehicle, mastery of state-specific traffic laws, and a solid grasp of the general rules of the road. Graduates emerge with a wealth of knowledge to effectively guide their future students through the nuances of safe driving skills.
Safety
We understand that driving is a complex task. Therefore, we focus on helping individuals improve their decision-making abilities regarding safe driving techniques and traffic safety. The endorsement comprises coursework, teaching experiences, and practical applications, enabling individuals to develop skills to prevent and manage risks, significantly reducing injuries and promoting responsible driving behavior.
Instructional Practice
Fort Hays State University emphasizes the pedagogical aspects of teaching driver education with this outcome. Participants learn to plan, implement, maintain, and assess both classroom and laboratory phases of a driver and traffic safety education program. Our endorsement’s approach includes incorporating current in-vehicle technologies and establishing partnerships with parents, mentors, guardians, local community partners, and state officials to meet the diverse learning needs of all students.
Administration and Materials
Addressing the administrative and material aspects of teaching driver education, we provide participants with the skills to effectively manage a driver and traffic safety education program. It includes utilizing appropriate materials, resources, and methods to create an enriching learning environment accommodating students of varying abilities and backgrounds.
Real-World Applications
The Endorsement in Driver Education (Graduate Non-Degree) at Fort Hays State University ensures that participants develop a comprehensive understanding of the laws, statutes, and regulations governing driver licensing and roadway safety. In addition to mastering legal requirements, educators are trained to adapt instructional methods to meet the diverse learning needs of students, both in the classroom and during behind-the-wheel instruction.
Participants are expected to demonstrate full compliance with all state licensing standards, including the maintenance of accurate records, completion of required documentation, and adherence to all legal and procedural requirements associated with driver education.
Stay Ahead of the Curve
Our endorsement’s course content is consistently updated to reflect the latest changes in laws, statutes, and regulations. Each semester, faculty review and revise the curriculum to ensure it includes the most current data, research, and instructional resources, providing participants with accurate and relevant information.
To stay informed about ongoing developments in the field, participants are encouraged to attend regional meetings and training sessions. Additionally, all participants are required to attend an online meeting with FHSU faculty. During this session, faculty members share updates on significant changes in the field and curriculum, address student questions, and provide clarification on evolving standards and best practices.
Practical Activities
As part of the Endorsement in Driver Education (Graduate Non-Degree), all students are required to complete the Driver Education Program Practicum during the summer term. This practicum provides practical training under the guidance of an experienced mentor within a public school driver education program. Each student completes two key components of the practicum: classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training.
The classroom experience involves observing and assisting the mentor teacher in lesson planning, delivering instruction, and evaluating student work. In the behind-the-wheel component, students support the mentor teacher during driving lessons, help supervise student drivers, and contribute to maintaining a safe learning environment on the road.
In addition to the practicum, students must complete the Kansas Department of Revenue's computer-based training, which provides essential information on the use of the Driver Education Portal and Lawful Presence requirements. Students are also encouraged to attend Kansas State Department of Education Driver Education Regional Meetings to network with peers and stay current with best practices and policy updates in the field.
What You’ll Learn:
- Comprehensive knowledge of driver education laws, statutes, and regulations
- Develop effective teaching strategies to adapt to individual student needs
- Master state licensing requirements and adhere to legal obligations
- Importance of road safety and responsible driving practices
- Maintain accurate records and complete necessary paperwork
How You’ll Learn:
- Effective teaching strategies for in-class and behind-the-wheel instruction
- Online courses and meetings with faculty
- Compliance with state licensing regulations and legal requirements
- Latest updates on driver education
- Hands-on experience in the classroom and behind-the-wheel teaching environments
The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere
Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $3,139.02* (online) per semester.
*Estimated cost based on 9 credit hours at the FHSU Online Graduate tuition rate ($348.78/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.
Ready for the next step?
Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.
Information about the Department of Advanced Education Programs
FHSU’s Department of Advanced Education Programs (AEP) is one of the most diverse and comprehensive departments, offering a wide range of programs designed to fit the unique needs of educators at every stage of their careers. Whether you aim to enhance your teaching skills, pursue a role as a building principal or community counselor, add an endorsement, or renew your license, our department is dedicated to helping you succeed in your aspirations.
AEP aims to be the leader in preparing inclusive educational and community professionals to unlock innovative potential in a rapidly advancing world, by preparing global leaders who serve in these settings. Our programs focus on the interaction among innovative technologies, relevant content, diversity, and best practices.