Driver Training relies on subject matter experts in the driver training field to assist in several educational opportunities.

Master Trainer Committee Job Description

A working group of dedicated and qualified individuals focused on providing content, instruction, and professional insight for trainings held by the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Driver Training Program Office. This by no means constitutes a contract with the Ohio Department of Public Safety. Participation in the department level work group is non-reimbursable as this is a voluntary group.

Scope of Work

Upon written authorization from the Ohio Department of Public Safety and under the guidance and supervision of the State Administrator of Driver Training, Master Trainers will be responsible for the following:

• Attend and participate in at least three scheduled committee meetings a year, unless excused by the State Administrator
• Assist with the development of the Training Manager Course
• Assist with conducting the Training Manager Course
• Assist with the development of Continuing Education Courses
• Assist with conducting Continuing Education Courses
• Provide knowledge and expertise on topics/subjects related to driver education and training
• Be a resource for Training Manager Candidates and new Training Managers
• Allow Training Manager Candidates to shadow the Master Trainer performing their job duties as a Training Manager
• Assist with the development of policies and procedures related to Training Manager and Continuing Education Courses
• Provide advisory support to the State Administrator of Driver Training
• Provide support to licensed instructors and Training Managers in the field
• Communicate regularly with the Driver Training Program Office
• Provide resources and materials, which may include vehicles, as requested by the State Administrator
• Be involved in the review and determination process of potential candidates of the Master Trainer Committee

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Holds a current and valid Training Manager license for 5 years OR 5 years equivalent management experience in leading or facilitating in the field of education/training within the last 10 years
  • Proof of actual use of the Training Manager endorsement required OR
  • Proof of equivalent management experience required
• No violations or pending investigations against Training Manager license
• Continually meets good character and reputation
• Be an active Training Manager/Instructor in all training topics (classroom, road, range – CDL only)

Prerequisites

• Submit a resume and cover letter with qualifications
• Provide letter(s) of recommendation from previous/current employers to the State Administrator to support a minimum of five years of management experience in education/training
• Complete an interview with ODPS
• Observe the full ODPS Training Manager Course prior to training any topics during a Training Manager Course
• Attend a Basic Instructor Course in the respective field
• Pass a quiz as provided by the State Administrator of Driver Training with a minimum score of 80
• Have a passing assessment in classroom, road, and range (if applicable) by a Driver Training Representative
• Go through a background review (including but not limited to, BBB, social media, parent and/or student feedback, etc.)
• Complete any pre-requisite courses as required for a Training Manager Candidate

Specialist Advisory Members

• A person who represents a specialty necessary to support and guide in accordance with the Scope of Work of the Master Trainers
• Specialty fields shall include, but are not limited to, driver training in persons with disabilities, human resources, management, etc. Additional specialty fields may be determined by the Master Trainer Committee.
• Specialist Advisory Members meet the majority of the qualifications required for master trainers and shall provide adequate evidence of expertise and/or experience in their specialty or field of specialization
• Members must meet all pre-requisite requirements of the Master Trainer

Disqualifications

• No participation or failure to complete assigned duties as described in the Scope of Work
• No longer holds a valid Training Manager license
• At any time the Master Trainer no longer meets the Qualifications
• At any time the Specialist Advisory Member no longer meets the majority of the Qualifications
• A suspension will occur for any pending investigations against the Training Manager or a school they are associated with until determination from the investigation is made
• Disqualifications applies to all Trainers and Members

Additional Assistance/Volunteers

• At the discretion of the Driver Training Program Office and/or Master Trainer Committee, licensed Training Managers and/or instructors may be asked to volunteer to assist as additional support with training courses.
• Any persons volunteering to assist will not be a part of the Master Training Committee. Therefore, volunteers will only sit in meetings where planning for that course is taking place and no pre-requisite items will need to be submitted as part of this policy.

Phase 1 – Initial introduction of applicant

Resume, cover letter, proof of expertise and/or experience, and letter(s) of recommendation provided. Master Trainer committee will review. Name and school affiliation(s) will be redacted to remove any potential bias. If the committee approves, applicant moves into the second phase.

Phase 2 – Background & Interview

Background check is performed in this phase. Backgrounds include the review of an administrative actions, including but not limited to, warning letters, hearings, findings, and complaints received by the department. This phase includes reviewing social media sites, professional website for school, Better Business Bureau, etc.

All information will be reviewed thoroughly and taken into consideration. Other consideration includes length of time since previous complaint or administrative action, types of complaints and whether they are applicable to the job function of a Specialist Advisory Member or Master Trainer.

Interview with panel will also take place in this phase. The panel includes ODPS representatives and a Master Trainer and will indicate the applicant’s intentions moving forward.  

Phase 3 – Prerequisites

This phase consists of taking measures to comply with the requirements to become a SAM and/or Master Trainer.

• Attendance of the department provided training manager course. If the applicant had previously attended the course, this will not be required. Depending upon the length of time passed since attending, the Training Manager refresher course would be required. The course would be free for the applicant to attend. The rules test will be proctored at whichever course is required.
• Attendance of the Basic Instructor Course
• Assessment for teaching completed. ODPS staff will work with applicant to set up applicable assessments while teaching students (classroom, range, road). This will count as the applicant’s annual assessment requirement.

Phase 4 – Specialist Advisory Members

This phase allows the applicant to become a SAM and integrate into the master trainer committee. The new member may elect to remain a SAM or move into the Master Trainer level.

• Participate in committee meetings for continuing education workshops
• Participate in continuing education workshops, including teaching, hosting, developing resources or training materials

Phase 5 – Master Trainer

This phase is the final phase for the Master Trainer. This level requires dedication and time for offering training and mentoring for prospective SAMs and Master Trainers. The level has responsibilities to provide mentoring for new and already licensed training managers in their fields.

• Participation with the training manager course including the design, topics, hosting, and plays a consistent role during and after the course. See Scope of Work
• Participate in committee meetings for continuing education workshops
• Participate in continuing education workshops, including teaching, hosting, developing resources or training materials