Standard 3.2
Instructor Development Sources*
And Example Topics
Below are a few suggestions for instructor staff development.
Please note that instructor development and instructor meetings are not the same. Schools must have instructor
staff meetings for such updates as daily routine, changes at the school, available training, student critiques and
new methods or products in the industry. However, PTDI Standard 3.2 requires instructor development. If the
meeting is dedicated to topics such as accident procedures, handling student problems, etc., it is educational in
nature and, therefore, instructor development.
Instructor Development Sources* (Suggested by schools):
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Membership and participation in association opportunities; e.g., State Trucking Associations (and their
related Safety Management Councils), CVTA, NAPFTDS, other industry and safety organizations
Audio workshops or webinars
PTDI Train-the-Trainer Program (student course book, instructor manual, VHS and DVD videos)
(http://www.delmarlearning.com/browse_quicksearch.aspx?search=Train+the+Trainer )
CVTA Instructor Development and Certification Program (http://www.cvta.org/icpbookletsinglepage.pdf)
American Association Vocational Instructional Materials (www.aavim.com) instructor training modules
North American Transportation Management Institute (www.natmi.org) professional certification and
training courses
J J Keller reference materials and free downloads of articles and webcasts (www.jjkeller.com)
TCA’s Truckload Academy webcasts (www.truckload.org)
In-service training (NOT staff meetings) provided by the school or college
Health Department of college for CPR, AED, 1st Aid, etc.
Contracted training division at college that provides training such as team building, communications, and
learning styles. They will also have contacts for outside trainers.
Michigan Center for Truck Safety (www.truckingsafety.org) or similar organizations in other states
Thinking Driver (www.thinkingdriver.com)
National Safety Council’s DDC-PTD course. (Also licensed instructors can attend NSC webinars.)
Watch industry trade publications for announcements for seminars/webinars.
Speakers from government or industry
Smith System (www.smith-system.com) seminar and video training
MaxKnowledge (www.maxknowledge.com) training for career college administrators, staff & faculty
(New instructors) Observing qualified instructors under supervision of Training Director, then teaching
under observation and feedback of the qualified instructor.
State’s DMV course for instructors
Serving as a PTDI certification site-visit team.
Seminars provided by insurance companies (e.g. Liberty Mutual loss control seminars
http://www.libertymutualgroup.com/omapps/ContentServer?pagename=LMGroup/Views/LMG&ft=5&fid
=1138356782057&ln=en)
FMCSA Outreach and Education http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/about/outreach/outreach.htm including the
new “CMV Driver Tips” with video clips and training exercises.
Advisory Boards
*PTDI does not endorse products or services but may make resources available.
Standard 3.2
Example Topics for Instructor Development:
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The instructional process (Understanding the learning/teaching process)
Principles of learning (Understanding how adults learn)
Performance objectives (Determining desired results for specific learning experiences)
Training effectiveness (Characteristics of a good instructor)
Instructional techniques and aids
Classroom/learning methods
Classroom management
Learner diversity
Presentation design and techniques
Writing syllabi or lesson plans
Listening techniques
Using technologies within the classroom
Sexual harassment
Excel spreadsheets, blackboard, web design, Word, etc.
Student/facilitator relationships
Dealing with difficult learners
Coaching the professional driver
Forklift certification
CPR, AED, 1st Aid
Hours of Service, load securement, inspections, etc.
Defensive driving
Fatigue study
Skid pad
Driver performance measurement
Simulator training
Air brake course
Check individual Instructor Development Sources above for topics they offer.