Traffic Safety Instructor – Classroom

The NWESD aspires to be a racially and culturally inclusive staff that reflects the diversity of those we serve. We believe this strengthens our organization, stimulates creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas, and enriches staff engagement.

Summary:

The Traffic Safety Instructor uses a variety of teaching strategies and techniques to enable students to achieve the statewide Traffic Safety Education (TSE) objectives and become knowledgeable, safe, and efficient drivers.

Essential Functions:

Duties listed are intended to provide a summary of the major duties and responsibilities of this position. Employee(s) may not perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional duties not listed, but within the general scope of the position.

• Plans and teaches lessons in all content areas of the Washington State Driver Training Required Curriculum.
• Manages behavior and discipline to maintain a constructive, safe, and pleasant learning environment in the classroom and the vehicle.
• Uses teaching methods that provide for individual student learning and driving abilities, reduced student anxieties, and involvement of back-seat observers.
• Maintains an accurate grade book, documenting attendance, student progress for classroom and behind-the-wheel performance, textbooks and their condition, and students’ special needs.
• Prepares classroom and driving schedules to meet the needs of the students, including managing reasonable and necessary adjustments.
• Completes all records as required by the NWESD and/or State of Washington.
• Conducts Parent Open House before the beginning of the course to initiate open communication with parents, students, and teachers.
• Maintains appropriate communications with parents/guardians to ensure they are fully aware of schedules, program requirements, students’ progress toward course completion, and behavior. This may include minor conflict resolution.
• Communicates effectively with high school students using appropriate technical vocabulary and maintaining good instructor/student rapport.
• Selects routes for on-street and on-site lessons.
• Conducts learning activities, from simple to complex, which should correspond with the student’s mental, physical and emotional performance capabilities in coordination with classroom activities.
• Maintains a position within the vehicle that ensures awareness of the traffic scene and utilize control instruments to maintain safety and facilitate instruction.
• Applies uniform evaluation criteria in assessing needs and progress of the students during and after each lesson in the classroom and behind-the-wheel.
• Maintains a safety inspection schedule of the vehicle and reports any deficiencies to the NWESD or designee.
• Adheres to the ethical standards for teaching professionals as outlined in the Code of Professional Conduct, Chapter 181-87 WAC and established rules, regulations and laws governing ESD and public employees.
• Participates in professional development activities and use educational research to enhance educational services.
• Assists in the development of the Traffic Safety Curriculum for the NWESD.

Required knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of effective Traffic Safety education techniques.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and follow direction.
• Ability to use computer hardware and software applications
• Ability to interact with students, parents, and staff in a clear and professional manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, students, their families, and the public.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree and teacher preparation program, with a valid Washington State teaching certificate with Traffic Safety Education endorsement or approval issued by Washington State’s Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. At least two years of experience working in an educational environment preferred. WSP/FBI criminal history background clearance required. Valid Washington State driver’s license and proof of liability insurance required.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

Work is performed in a classroom environment and within vehicles. Adequate manual and finger dexterity, hearing, speech, and vision are necessary to perform the essential functions of this position.

Hazards:  Due to the nature of classroom environments, hazards may include but are not limited to exposure to weapons, threats, verbal abuse, hitting, fighting, throwing of objects, etc. Routine travel may pose potential hazards including driving in inclement weather.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.

It is the policy of the Northwest Educational Service District No. 189 to not discriminate against any person with regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, physical or mental disability, or citizenship or immigration status.