CDL Lead Theory Instructor

Job Description

Job Description

 

About Skilled US: 

At Skilled US, we help adults change their lives through education, career training, and workforce readiness. We operate a full-service, brick-and-mortar adult education campus that combines high-quality instruction, career pathways, and wraparound support to help students succeed in training and employment. We are a student-first organization guided by our core values: Students First, Respect, Determination, Continuous Improvement, and Gratitude. Our work is fast-paced, mission-driven, and focused on meeting both learner needs and workforce demands.

Position Summary
The CDL Lead Theory Instructor delivers classroom-based commercial driver training that prepares adult learners for the Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) knowledge exam, the CDL Class A knowledge exam, and entry into a career behind the wheel. This role is dedicated to FMCSA Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) theory instruction — general knowledge, air brakes, combination vehicles, pre-trip inspection procedures, and hours-of service/FMCSA regulations— delivered entirely in the classroom.

This is a full-time, Monday–Friday position. The instructor builds the technical knowledge, regulatory literacy, and professional habits — attendance, accountability, and communication — that learners need to succeed both on the knowledge exam and on the road.

The CDL Theory Curriculum — Heart of This Role
This is an FMCSA ELDT theory-instruction role. The instructor delivers the classroom curriculum that satisfies the theory component of Entry-Level Driver Training for the Class A CDL, and prepares learners for the CLP and CDL knowledge exams administered by the state. All learner completions are documented per FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR) requirements.

CDL Theory topics taught include:

• General Knowledge (vehicle systems, driving safety, basic operation)
• Air Brakes (system components, inspection, and operation theory)
• Combination Vehicles (coupling/uncoupling theory, doubles/triples awareness)
• Pre-Trip Inspection (classroom/knowledge component)
• Hours of Service (HOS) and FMCSA regulations
• Whiteboard/classroom test preparation for the CLP and CDL knowledge exams
• Endorsement theory as applicable (e.g., Tanker, Hazmat awareness)
• Holds — or completes within the first year — FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR) theory-instructor eligibility for the Class A CDL curriculum.
• Coordinates closely with the Yard/Behind-the-Wheel Instructor to ensure a seamless transition from classroom theory into range and road instruction.
• Differentiates delivery for adult learners at varying reading and math levels without lowering the standard required to pass the knowledge exam.

Key Responsibilities
Curriculum, Instruction & Credentialing

• Plan, prepare, and deliver FMCSA ELDT-aligned CDL theory curriculum in a classroom setting.
• Provide instruction in general knowledge, air brakes, combination vehicles, pre-trip inspection theory, and hours-of-service/FMCSA regulations.
• Administer knowledge assessments and practice exams; track learner readiness for the CLP and CDL knowledge exams.
• Maintain accurate records of theory-instruction hours and completions per FMCSA
• Training Provider Registry (TPR) requirements.
• Assess student learning outcomes and adjust instructional methods to meet learning objectives for each cohort
• Maintain and renew required licensure and TPR theory-instructor eligibility through ongoing continuing education.

Coordination with Yard/Behind-the-Wheel Instruction

• Coordinate scheduling and learner progress tracking with the Yard/Behind-the-Wheel Instructor so learners move from theory into hands-on training without delay.
• Communicate learner strengths and knowledge gaps to the Yard/Behind-the-Wheel Instructor ahead of each learner's transition into range/road training.
• Participate in joint program planning to keep classroom theory and hands-on instruction aligned to the same curriculum standards and testing timeline.

Program Development, Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain accurate student records, including attendance, assessments, and knowledge-exam readiness.
• Assist in developing and improving CDL theory curriculum in alignment with FMCSA and state licensing standards.
• Ensure compliance with state and federal guidelines for workforce-training programs (e.g., WIOA Title I & II).
• Implement best practices for compliance tracking and reporting, and support continuous-improvement initiatives that expand access and outcomes for underserved communities.
• Stay informed on changes to FMCSA regulations, ELDT requirements, and state CDL knowledge-exam standards.

Student & Community Engagement

• Communicate effectively with students, program administrators, and Yard/Behind-the-Wheel instructional staff.
• Support learners in preparing for the CLP and CDL knowledge exams and in making informed career decisions in the transportation industry.
• Facilitate mentorship, professionalism, and career-readiness coaching alongside technical instruction.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the administration.

Qualifications & Skills
Required

• High school diploma or High School Equivalency.
• Valid CDL Class A license (current) or documented eligibility to meet FMCSA Training
• Provider Registry (TPR) theory-instructor requirements.
• Minimum of 3 years of commercial driving, transportation/logistics, or related industry experience.
• Strong working knowledge of FMCSA regulations, hours-of-service rules, and DOT compliance standards
• Ability to teach adult learners at varying literacy and math levels in a classroom setting.
• Strong organizational, presentation, and classroom-management skills.
• Proficient in computer applications relted to instruction, testing, and student record-keeping, and willingness to participate in ongoing professional development.

Preferred

• 5+ years of commercial driving or CDL training industry experience.
• Prior experience as a CDL theory or driving-school instructor.
• Experience with FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR) registration and reporting processes.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish/Haitian Creole).
• Experience with WIOA-funded or other workforce-training program compliance and reporting.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of course-delivery processes, adult-learning principles, and curriculum design for classroom instruction.
• Knowledge of assessing student learning outcomes and of FMCSA/CDL subject matter and its application to test preparation.
• Knowledge of relevant regulations, policies, and procedures governing commercial driver training and testing.
• Ability to plan, organize, implement, evaluate, and modify instructional processes.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with a diverse learner population.

Physical Effort, Working Conditions & Schedule

Physical Effort:
Light to moderate physical activity, including standing for extended periods, keyboard manipulation, and occasional lifting of classroom materials and training aids up to 20 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Working Conditions:
Work is performed on-site in a classroom setting. This is a 100% in-person position; essential duties must be performed in person during scheduled class hours. This role is classroom-based and does not include yard, range, or behind-the-wheel instruction.

Work Schedule:
Full-time, Monday through Friday, daytime hours. This is a consistent weekday schedule with no evening or weekend teaching requirement.

Why This Role Is Critical
The CDL Lead Theory Instructor gives learners the knowledge foundation they need before they ever get behind the wheel. A strong grasp of general knowledge, air brakes, combination vehicles, and FMCSA regulations is what allows a learner to pass the knowledge exam, move confidently into hands-on training, and ultimately start a stable, well-paying career in the transportation industry. For many learners, this classroom is the first step toward a career they never thought was within reach.

Our Core Values
● Children First: Ensure all interactions prioritize students' needs.
● Respect: Treat others with dignity and fairness.
● Determination: Approach challenges with hard work and resilience.
● Continuous Improvement: Strive for growth and better outcomes every day.
● Gratitude: Demonstrate appreciation for the opportunity to serve our students and community.

PLA is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.  We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristics as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. 

Please read carefully.

Phalen Leadership Academies (PLA) is an equal opportunity employer. PLA does not discriminate in employment on account of race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, age, sex (including sexual harassment), sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service.

By completing this application you understand that neither the completion of this application nor any other part of my consideration for employment establishes any obligation for PLA to hire me. If hired, I understand that either PLA or I can terminate my employment at any time and for any reason, with or without cause and without prior notice. I understand that no representative of PLA has the authority to make any assurance to the contrary.

You attest by applying to this position that you have given PLA true and complete information on this application. No requested information has been concealed. I authorize PLA to contact references provided for employment reference checks. If any information I have provided is untrue, or if I have concealed material information, I understand that this will constitute cause for the denial of employment or immediate dismissal.

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