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Driver Education Instructors

Get to know our instructors

Jeffrey Benes

Jeffrey is a middle school social studies teacher. He has been a schoolteacher since 1998 and is currently teaching American History. He has coached in the past and is currently busy with school gardening.

While Jeffrey is newer to teaching driver’s education, he is not new to teaching or time behind the wheel. He drove a Humvee while he served in Iraq and used his GI Bill to become a certified driver’s education instructor. What he enjoys most about teaching driver’s education is that the students really want to learn and improve themselves. “They want to be here; they want to do well, and they are willing to listen.”

Jeffrey’s tip to new drivers – Always be aware of the situation. When behind the wheel, things change quickly, so always be scanning.

Vanessa Fernandez

Vanessa is a Library Media Specialist in the Blue Valley School District. She has been an educator for 27 years and previously taught 7th-12th grade English before transitioning to her current role. She also coaches track, is an assistant director for the school play and editor of the yearbook. She enjoys reading, riding her motorcycle and exercising.

Vanessa has been teaching driver’s education for 8 years. She enjoys teaching driver’s education because she gets to work with a variety of individuals as they learn to drive.

Vanessa’s tip to new drivers – Practice. Driving in different situations and weather will increase your chances of being a safe and experienced driver.

Jim Oatman

Jim is a full-time instructor at Van Horn High School, where he teaches construction trades and woodworking. He has over 35 years of teaching experience and has taught a wide range of subjects, including welding, automotive, computer-aided drafting and more. He also has a great deal of experience coaching youth sports, including more than 20 years as a high school girls basketball coach.

Jim decided to teach driver’s education when he was a college student. He has taught the subject for more than 35 years and still enjoys it. He is most proud that he has never had an accident or citation after all these years. He enjoys working with parents and students to help them develop a pathway for their student’s driving success.

Jim’s tip to new drivers – Repetition, repetition, repetition! Driving is a life skill; it takes practice and lots of it. Every time you get behind the wheel of a vehicle you will learn something new, and your skills will improve.

Kathy Sawyer

Kathy is a 7th grade math and social studies teacher. She enjoys all sports and has coached volleyball, girls basketball, track and softball. She also enjoys watching her children play competitive baseball.

Kathy has been teaching driver’s education since 2017. What she enjoys most is helping young drivers learn the life skill of driving.

Kathy’s tip to new drivers – Practice as much as possible. The best thing you can do to become a strong driver is to practice, practice, practice.