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Advancing
driver education
in South Carolina

Annual Business Meeting & Conference

Friday, December 6, 2024
8 AM - 3 PM

Criminal Justice Academy
5400 Broad River Rd, Columbia, SC 29212

Join driver educators, driving schools, and leaders in driver education at our annual conference in Columbia. Learn about new products, services, and organizations dedicated to keeping our nation's drivers safe.

Traffic deaths declined in 2023 from approximately 43000 in 2022 to approximately 41,900. We want to personally thank you for what you are doing. We don’t get to hear it enough. Everyone is excited to get their license but little do they know the responsibility that awaits them. Please keep up the good work and let’s show up like no other year. You might even win an award brought to you by AAA (Rachel Wilson) and we will even feed you from Lizard’s Thicket. Tyler Wilcox and Tarsus Instructor Equipment are providing the food. Sign up today. Special rates for groups are available. 

Prices include $31.5 SCDTSEA membership.

  • $63 per person before November 1
  • $73 per person November 1 and after

Online registrations for the conference are now closed. Walk-ins are welcome with a check payment.

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Conference Speakers

Speakers

We are looking for dynamic speakers to give us interesting information or tools to enhance driver education programs. We appreciate those who volunteer to speak at our conference at no cost, keeping registration fees low for our teachers.

Contact us today
Conference Sponsors

Sponsors

Without our sponsors we would have a hard time putting on our annual conference. Sponsorship levels start at $250 with additional opportunities available. Gain great exposure for your business; sponsor the conference today!

Contact us today
Conference Exhibitors

Exhibitors

As an exhibitor, you get a 10' x 10' booth space (with 8-foot table, table linen and skirting, two chairs, and wastebasket), and lunch for two people. Additional meal tickets can be purchased during registration. Please let us know if you need access to electrical outlets.

Sponsors & Exhibitors

Drivers Ed Solutions AAA Foundation for a Drug-Free World Driving School Software JC Law Firm

South Carolina Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association (SCDTSEA) supports and advances traffic safety and education among commercial and public driving schools.

SCDTSEA is a state association comprised of representatives from public and private driver education. SCDTSEA was established as part of the American Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association (ADTSEA) and is an affiliate member of the ADTSEA.

Since 1936, our members have worked together to promote solutions and laws aimed at enhancing driver safety and education. These efforts include:

  • serving as spokesperson for driver and traffic safety educators
  • advancing the cause of driver and traffic safety education for all individuals
  • stimulating the general interest of driver and traffic safety education
  • promoting professional excellence with the basic importance of the safety educator in the learning process
  • protecting the rights of safety educators and advance their interests and welfare

Annual Awards

SCDTSEA provides several different awards at its Annual Business Meeting and Conference. We encourage you to consider nominating someone you believe deserves and qualifies for one of the following awards:

Poster Contest

SCDTSEA hosts annual poster contests where schools are allowed to submit up to eight student-made posters at their conference, focusing on the designated theme of the year. Monetary awards are given to the top winners, and teacher presence is required for eligibility.

2024 Theme: Put Your Phone Away, Focus On Driving

First place receives $150, second place $75, and third $50.  The winning teacher also receives $25. 

View the award winners.

The Achiever of the Year Award

The Achiever of the Year Award recognizes those who have made exceptional contributions, are dedicated to excellence, and have had a significant impact on traffic safety and education.

View the award winners.

The Award of Appreciation

The Award of Appreciation recognizes the remarkable dedication and service of individuals who have made significant contributions and unwavering support for traffic safety and education.

View the award winners.

The Commercial Driving School of the Year Award

The Commercial Driving School of the Year Award recognizes South Carolina-based commercial driving schools that operate with one to four certified driver training teachers for their good standing with SCDTSEA, regional, or national driver training organizations, support ongoing staff training, participate in state or national driver education committees or boards, and engage in legislative activities for driver education in South Carolina.

View the award winners.

The Commercial Driving Teacher of the Year Award

The Commercial Driving Teacher of the Year Award honors those who have showed exemplary course of instruction, have a great reputation of being an excellent driving instructor, and have been a longstanding member of SCDTSEA.

View the award winners.

The Driver Education Teacher of the Year Award

The Driver Education Teacher of the Year Award recognizes excellence in driver education teachers who are dedicated to traffic safety, innovative teaching, and commitment to producing skilled, responsible drivers.

View the award winners.

The Friends of Driver & Traffic Safety Education Award

The Friends of Driver & Traffic Safety Education Award recognizes those who have provided outstanding support and advocacy, contributing significantly to advancing and promoting driver and traffic safety education.

View the award winners.

The Harry Stille Award

The Harry Stille Award recognizes those with years of outstanding contributions and distinguished service to our profession.

View the award winners.

The Lifetime Service in Driver and Traffic Safety Education Award

The Lifetime Service in Driver and Traffic Safety Education Award recognizes individuals who have dedicated their careers to advancing driver and traffic safety education, demonstrating leadership, innovation, and significant impact on their community and profession.

View the award winners.

The Outstanding Dedication and Service to SCDTSEA Award

The Outstanding Dedication and Service to SCDTSEA Award honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and contributions to advancing the objectives and mission of SCDTSEA.

View the award winners.

The Outstanding Leadership in Driver & Traffic Safety Award

The Outstanding Leadership in Driver & Traffic Safety Award acknowledges individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in advancing and promoting driver and traffic safety.

View the award winners.

The Outstanding Service in Safety Award

The Outstanding Service in Safety Award recognizes individuals with exemplary dedication and contributions to promoting safety through their service and commitment to drivers' safety.

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The SCDTSEA Award

The SCDTSEA Award recognizes individuals for their involvement and leadership in SCDTSEA, their outstanding safety education programs, and their exemplary professionalism in teaching and living.

View the award winners.

The Safety Administrator of the Year Award

The Safety Administrator of the Year Award recognizes administrators with at least two years of experience who contribute to driver education programs, enhance professionalism through shared expertise, increase student enrollment, improve curriculum and teacher performance, and maintain positive community and dealer relations while supporting SCDTSEA and ADTSEA objectives.

View the award winners.

The Traffic Safety Officer of the Year Award

The Traffic Safety Officer of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding officer who has shown remarkable commitment and accomplishments in promoting traffic safety by significantly enhancing road safety and community well-being.

View the award winners.

The Years of Dedication to Driver Education Award

The Years of Dedication to Driver Education Award honors those who have shown unparalleled dedication and contributions to the field of driver education over their career, embodying commitment, expertise, and a profound impact on educating and shaping responsible drivers.

View the award winners.

Board of Directors

Robert Suggs

Robert Suggs

President

Jarrod Brooks

Jarrod Brooks

President-Elect

David Smith

David Smith

Past President

Joe Sabbadino

Joe Sabbadino

Treasurer

Jerry Lloyd

Jerry Lloyd

Secretary

Lance Collins

Lance Collins

Website Editor

Andrew Johnson

Andrew Johnson

Historian

Dr. Albert Neal

Dr. Albert Neal

Chaplain

Rebecca Grubbs

Rebecca Grubbs

Board Member

Lee Taylor

Lee Taylor

Board Member

Robbie Wiggins

Robbie Wiggins

Board Member