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
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
This endorsement consists of three courses, each lasting eight weeks, that cover essential topics for effective driver education instruction. To earn the Endorsement in Driver Education (Graduate Non-Degree), students must successfully complete all three courses with satisfactory grades. Upon completion—and if currently teaching in a public school—participants become eligible to apply to the Kansas State Department of Education to add the Endorsement in Driver Education to their valid Kansas teaching license.
AEP 805: Driver Education – Driving Safety
This foundation course introduces participants to key driving safety components, focusing on driving techniques, traffic laws, risk prevention, and management practices in driver education.
AEP 806: Driver Education – Instructional Methods
This methodology course teaches how to develop and implement effective driver education, focusing on curriculum design and evidence-based practices for both classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction.
AEP 807: Driver Education – Program Practicum
In this course, participants apply their skills with a licensed supervisor and faculty to implement the curriculum with case-study students. They will be ready to plan, implement, and assess their driver education programs upon completion.
Discover the full Endorsement in Driver Education (Graduate Non-Degree) course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.
Upon completing the endorsement, graduates become qualified to teach driver education and are supplied with the necessary skills to pursue careers in various related fields. They have access to an extensive array of professional opportunities.
Driver Education Teacher
As a driver education teacher in a public education setting, professionals guide students through the intricacies of safe driving practices. They cover injury prevention, safe driving practices, and compliance with state regulations, fostering a culture of responsible driving among young learners.
Commercial Driving School Instructor
Individuals can still teach new drivers in a commercial school without a current Kansas teaching license. In this role, instructors are crucial in imparting essential driving skills to a diverse audience, contributing to developing responsible and safe drivers outside the traditional educational framework.
Special Education Driver Education Teacher
Individuals passionate about inclusivity can specialize in teaching driver education to students with disabilities. This position involves adapting teaching methods to cater to diverse learning needs, contributing to developing an inclusive educational environment for all students.
Curriculum Development Specialist
For those interested in shaping the future of driver education, becoming a curriculum development specialist is a viable option. The profession allows individuals to contribute to the refinement of driver education curricula actively, staying abreast of educational advancements and ensuring that programs remain relevant and practical for years.
The application process includes a thorough review by the Department of Advanced Education Programs to determine approval or denial. To enroll in the Endorsement in Driver Education (Graduate Non-Degree), applicants must meet the following admission requirements:
Bachelor's Degree with a Minimum 3.00 GPA
To be eligible for the Endorsement in Driver Education (Graduate Non-Degree) program, applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, with a minimum GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale in the last 60 hours of college coursework. This emphasis on academic achievement ensures that applicants bring a solid educational foundation to the program.
Submit Transcripts and Degree Indication
Applicants are required to submit official or unofficial transcripts that reflect all completed college coursework and confirm the conferral of a bachelor’s degree. These documents allow the admissions committee to evaluate the applicant’s academic readiness and verify that foundational educational requirements have been met.
Copy of a Valid Teaching License (for Kansas licensed public educators only)
An essential component of the application process is the submission of a valid teaching license. Applicants must hold an active license at the time of application, underscoring the program’s intent to build upon existing teaching experience and professional practice.
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.
The endorsement usually takes six months to complete. This is because the driver's education consists of three 3-credit-hour courses, eight weeks each.
The average salary for a driver instructor varies by district or driving school location.
Yes, the coursework is flexible and accommodates the busy schedules of working professionals. All classes are available online, and students can access course materials and complete assignments independently. In addition to the online practicum coursework, participants are required to complete a face-to-face practicum experience with a mentor either in their home district or the nearest surrounding district.
The job placement rate for graduates is very high. Over 90% of graduates have found employment within six months of graduation.
This endorsement is manageable but requires a commitment to studying and finishing assignments on time. Students who are passionate about teaching young drivers and have a strong work ethic should be prepared to succeed.
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.
- CACREP Accreditation:
The Department of Advanced Education Programs holds Advanced-Level Accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). See the Fort Hays State University CAEP Accredited Provider page for details.
Advanced-Level Accreditation is provided at the post-baccalaureate or graduate levels leading to licensure, certification, or endorsement. Advanced-Level Programs are designed to develop P-12 teachers who have already completed an initial-licensure program, currently licensed administrators, or other certified (or similar state language) school professionals for employment in P-12 schools/districts. CAEP's Advanced-Level accreditation does not include any advanced-level program not specific to the preparation of teachers or other school professionals for P-12 schools/districts; any advanced-level non-licensure programs, including those specific to content areas; or educational leadership programs not specific to the preparation of teachers or other school professionals for P-12 schools/districts.
- Endorsement
- Online
