Community partnerships are expanding access to safe, legal driving for multilingual learners at Vermont Adult Learning’s Windham County Learning Center in Brattleboro.
Driver’s education is now underway through a growing collaboration between Vermont Adult Learning, the Brattleboro Area Immigrant Driving Academy, and the Adult Immigrant Driver Safety Program of the Windham County Sheriff’s Department. The effort is also supported through a partnership with the Vermont State Highway Safety Office’s Enhanced Driver Safety Program.
VAL instructors have been working closely with Sgt. Chris Norton, Windham County Highway Safety Coordinator with the VT State Highway Safety Office’s Behavioral Change Unit, and Michael Roj to deliver adult driver education using state-of-the-art driving simulators installed at VAL’s Windham County Learning Center. The curriculum and instructional approach were developed collaboratively, and materials were adapted specifically for individuals learning English to ensure clarity, accessibility, and meaningful engagement.
The program serves Vermonters 18 years or older and is uniquely designed to support multilingual learners. By integrating driver education with English Language Learning (ELL), participants build both driving knowledge and the language skills needed to understand road signs, motor vehicle laws, and highway safety expectations. These skills are key components for success on the learner’s permit and road tests.
In December, ELL students began with an intensive English for Driver’s Ed bridge course. In January, one cohort of mostly native speakers of English began the full driving course. In February, an all-ELL cohort continued classroom instruction and simulator hours. Early outcomes show strong student participation and steady progress toward behind-the-wheel training and licensure.
“It is going so well,” shared Gloria Cristeli, VAL ELL instructor. “Students are happy with what they have learned and feel confident to do the behind-the-wheel training next. What impressed me about the students was their expressions of thanks to Sergeant Norton and Instructor Roj.”
“This course removes barriers,” said Michael Roj. “It supports safer drivers and safer roads while helping people gain independence.” Roj also noted that he is looking forward to expanding this same model statewide.
For students like Yodit, the impact is deeply personal. When she arrived in Vermont from Africa, she spoke no English. Within a year of working with VAL, she has gained near fluency, secured a stable job, and is currently working toward her driver’s license.
Yodit was recently recognized as Student of the Month and, because of her strong English skills, advanced to simulator training alongside native English speakers. She is well on her way to earning her driver’s license and is now serving as an interpreter in the current ELL driver’s ed cohort.
“When I arrived, I had no words to speak with my neighbors,” Yodit said. “VAL gave me my voice. My teachers didn’t just teach me words; they taught me how to build a life here. Now I have a good job, and I am getting my driver’s license.”
Together, these partnerships are strengthening communities, building safer roads, and helping adult learners gain independence and opportunity.
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