Currently at Padua, many students are nervous about one course that has a major effect on their future: Driver’s Education. The class is taught by Ms. Buckingham, who  also taught a driver’s ed course over the summer. While she says she likes teaching the course, she did not start her teaching career as a driver’s ed. teacher. Ms. Buckingham first was a health and physical education teacher for public schools and was then asked by the school’s driver’s ed teacher if she wanted to do some “ride-alongs.” From then on Ms. Buckingham was inspired to become a driver’s ed. teacher.

Driver’s ed. is not only difficult for the students, but also for the teacher. “It can be very difficult to find different techniques to teach certain driving skills,” says Ms. Buckingham. She also states that her driver’s ed. experience was just the same as it is for students today: nervous, but exciting. Now teaching the course, she says she enjoys being a part of something that students are going to use for the rest of their lives. When asked to give advice to students about taking the course, she said, “Relax, lets have some fun!”

Maria Rapposelli (‘17) is expecting to have her first round of driving with Ms. Buckingham soon. Maria says the event is making her excited. Her greatest fear of driving is the weather conditions, “Driving in the snow or heavy rain is nerve wracking.” she says. However, Maria is excited to be able to drive by herself and not rely on family for assistance.