January 2026 Newsletter

January started exactly how ADTSEA-FL intends to operate in 2026: convening the right people, asking hard questions, and moving Driver Education forward with purpose. Below is a recap of recent work, a few important calls to action, and where we’re headed next.

DEACOS Driving Conversation – Key Takeaways

ADTSEA-FL convened a Driver Education Administrators, Coordinators, Officials, and Supervisors (DEACOS) Driving Conversation to focus on how Driver Education is actually being delivered across Florida’s school districts. District-level leaders participated in a candid, working discussion facilitated by ADTSEA-FL leadership, with board members present to listen, ask questions, and capture needs directly from the field.

Rather than theoretical best practices, the conversation centered on real operational conditions, local constraints, and opportunities for statewide coordination. Key topics discussed included:

• Clarifying how Driver Education differs from broader Traffic Safety Education and where confusion persists
• Variability in instructional and testing models, including range-based versus on-road approaches, grading practices, and readiness expectations
• Ongoing challenges related to staffing, scheduling, and behind-the-wheel access
• Funding realities and how districts navigate local limitations while leveraging available resources
• The need for practical, instructor-ready professional development and shared instructional resources
• A specific request for a curriculum crosswalk between the Florida Model Driver Education Curriculum and AAA How to Drive to support consistency and reduce duplication
• Inconsistent awareness and engagement between district Driver Education leaders and local Community Traffic Safety Teams (CTSTs), highlighting a significant opportunity to strengthen coordination

A consistent message emerged: districts are eager for shared tools, clearer alignment, and stronger connections to existing safety partners. These insights are now guiding ADTSEA-FL’s next steps in curriculum alignment, professional learning, and collaboration with the Florida Teen Safe Driving Coalition and FDOT.

Florida Teen Safe Driving Coalition – Driver Education Committee

A key focus of the DEACOS meeting was the work of the Florida Teen Safe Driving Coalition’s Driver Education Committee. The committee is supporting the Florida Model Driver Education Curriculum by identifying real district-level needs and aligning efforts with FDOT and Community Traffic Safety Teams.

Participants were asked directly what curriculum tools would best support their programs. That feedback will guide upcoming statewide resource development, with the goal of reducing duplication, improving consistency, and giving instructors resources that actually get used (a rare and beautiful thing).

Curriculum Crosswalk Request – AAA “How to Drive”

Several districts requested a formal curriculum crosswalk between the Florida Model Driver Education Curriculum and the AAA How to Drive curriculum. District leaders noted that many programs already use How to Drive, and a crosswalk would improve instructional alignment, reduce duplication, and support both new and veteran instructors statewide.

Community Traffic Safety Teams (CTST) – District Partnerships

The DEACOS group also discussed the role of FDOT’s Community Traffic Safety Teams (CTSTs) and why they matter for Driver Education. CTSTs are multi-agency highway safety groups that bring together stakeholders across engineering, enforcement, and education.

The Florida Teen Safe Driving Coalition will be organizing district-by-district outreach to connect CTST coordinators with school district Driver Education leaders. The goal is simple: align local needs with available community resources and create stronger, practical partnerships.

National Recognition: ADTSEA-FL at TRB

ADTSEA-FL CEO Derek Stewart was invited to present at the Transportation Research Board (TRB) Annual Conference in Washington, D.C. His presentation focused on the use of telematics to evaluate Driver Education program effectiveness.

Real-world driving data can help move beyond seat time and toward measurable behavior change, risk exposure, and instructional impact. This work supports a forward-looking, evidence-informed approach to improving Driver Education statewide.

Board Nominations – Due January 30, 2026

ADTSEA-FL is now accepting nominations for the Board of Directors. If you know a member who brings leadership, experience, and a commitment to advancing Driver Education in Florida, please submit a nomination by January 30, 2026.

Driver Education Awards – Call for Nominations

ADTSEA-FL also encourages members to submit nominations for the national Driver Education awards presented by American Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association. These awards recognize outstanding individuals, programs, and organizations that have made meaningful contributions to Driver Education, traffic safety, and student outcomes.

Award categories span a wide range of roles and impact areas, including:

• Outstanding Driver Education Teacher or Instructor
• Driver Education Administrator or Program Leader
• Innovative or Exemplary Driver Education Program
• Lifetime Achievement and Distinguished Service recognitions
• Leadership and advocacy advancing Driver Education nationwide

If you know a colleague, program, or partner whose work deserves recognition, we strongly encourage you to submit a nomination. These awards are an opportunity to highlight the professionalism, innovation, and dedication happening in Florida and beyond.

Full award descriptions and criteria are available here:
View ADTSEA Driver Education Awards

Please send nominations or questions to our ADTSEA-FL board member coordinating this effort:

Rich Green
rich.greene@adtsea-fl.org

How You Can Help

1. Join ADTSEA-FL to support statewide collaboration, professional development, and advocacy.
2. Raise your hand as a champion. Reply to us if you want to get involved in committee work, outreach, or resources.
3. Recruit two colleagues. Forward this post or share it with someone who should be part of the conversation.
4. Stay engaged with DEACOS. These working conversations shape what ADTSEA-FL does next.

CEO Corner

Thank you for the work you do every day for Florida’s roadway users. The conversations we are having now are shaping the future of Driver Education in this state.

Let’s grow the numbers and the impact together.

Derek Stewart - CEO, ADTSEA-FL