PRESIDENTS MESSAGE
A Message from our President Mr. Tommy Ledford
Dear Members,
I am honored to be your NCDTSEA President, and I want to acknowledge the leadership provided by
Doug Eller and last year’s Board of Directors as they continued to build support and funding for driver
education in North Carolina.
Here we are–already half the way into the school year. My hope is that you’re off to a fantastic start. I,
along with this organization, recognize what a tremendous role you play in shaping the future. This train-
ing is unique; driving is an immense responsibility, and our students today look entirely different than
they did 5, 10, or 20 years ago. Not only are you keeping up with advancements in vehicle technology,
like back-up cameras and adaptive cruise control, but you’re also dealing with more neurodiversity and
students who’ve suffered significant trauma in their lives. Coping with that in a car takes large amounts
of training and patience. You’re all to be commended.
It may seem every year is a battle when it comes to driver education in NC, but we continue to rise to
challenges and provide vital instruction for students in North Carolina. Whether working with students on
a two-lane road, dirt sideroad, or providing instruction on a busy, multi-lane highway, our instructors pro-
vide a life skill that helps keep our roads and highways safer for all citizens in NC and surrounding are-
as.
Our association provides support to instructors, contractors, and in-house programs. Driver education is
unique in that we work with multiple state agencies regarding curriculum, funding, and teacher certifica-
tion. NCDTSEA is instrumental in building partnerships with these state agencies so driver education
can continue to be provided for all eligible students in NC.
Each year, our association hosts a spring conference that allows members to earn continuing education
credits for their teaching licenses. The conference provides professional development, legislative up-
dates, and opportunities to network with other members across the state
I look forward to meeting many of you at the 2024 NCDTSEA Conference.