Student Transportation Inc. (STI) has added four California state-certified instructors to its western region team.

California state-certified instructors are licensed to teach and assist original school bus driver applicants in qualifying for a school bus certificate. They are also licensed to maintain state-mandated driver records.

Joining these ranks are Olivia Arredondo with STI’s terminal in North Hollywood, Toni Brown with the Escondido terminal, Olga Allende from San Bernardino, and Linda Titford from Morongo.

“We are so proud of their hard work and dedication in upholding the region’s record of safety and preparing for three very intense weeks at the California Department of Education,” said Shelly Hall, vice president of safety for STI.

California instructor candidates must have no chargeable accidents within the past three years, and they must be recommended by their employer to the California Department of Education (DOE) for consideration and testing. Candidates undergo a written assessment test covering current laws, regulations, and state policies, administered by a California DOE instructor. Additionally, they must demonstrate driving proficiency in all vehicles.

Once a candidate has demonstrated proficiency in all areas and has been approved by the California DOE, the final step to becoming an instructor is to secure a spot in one of 10 classes offered each year at the California DOE headquarters in Sacramento. According to STI, the classes are intense and require a strong working knowledge and teaching acumen in order to succeed; on average, at least one candidate in each class fails.

“Becoming a state instructor is a tremendous achievement due to the high standards set by the state,” Hall added. “The knowledge and expertise of our new state-certified instructors will enable them to impact our delivery of safe, reliable transportation and will help take our efforts of safety to the next level.”