PATRICIA HAUSER, (alias Dr. Defense) Driver Ed Teacher / Trainer and Offsite Instructor
I was born and raised in Gary, Indiana. I moved to Southern California in 1979 before calling Arlington, Texas my home in 2006. You can say I have had up-close and personal driving experience in three states.
I hold a Master of Education degree in Adult Education and Training from the University of Phoenix, as well as an Education Specialist Degree from Northcentral University. Formerly I was Director of Career Services for Dallas, Texas college. I left my position as an Adjunct Professor at Tarrant County College after more than seven years to devote more time teaching for First Class Driver. Teaching is in my blood.
My journey with First Class Driver began in 2010 when I was trained by the best – Joni Goeders, aka Ms. DaMeanor. I enjoy the lively interactions, conversations, and activities both in the classroom and offsite locations. I am proud to be an instructor at Fort Worth’s premier driving School.
When I’m not with my First Class Driver “family,” my time is spent watching true crime shows (call me the armchair “detective” or with my “other” family – traveling, shopping and trying out various restaurants in the area.
Bernie Goeders (alias Professor Bernard)
After claiming Oklahoma as my birthplace, I was a military brat whose family lived in many places around the nation and overseas, including Germany and Philippines.
Along the way, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Oklahoma State University and a Master of Science degree from Texas A&M University. After retiring from Lockheed Martin with 26 years, I am proud to be an owner and instructor and of First Class Driving School.
When I am not working, the open road calls me often and seems to often take me to the water, sun and sand - my favorite vacation spots. Cabo and Kauai are my favorite destinations.
Patrice Dennis (alias Ms. Safety First) – My name is Patrice Dennis, but my alias is Ms. Safety First. I have been with First Class Driver since 2020 and safe driving is my number one concern.
As an instructor, I take new drivers on the road for practice. They learn lane consistency, road scanning, and the always dreaded PARALLEL PARKING. Once we are done, students are ready to test and become first class drivers!
I also teach teen and adult driver ed and defensive driving in the classroom. On occasion, you can find me at the front desk scheduling and answering phones.
In my spare time, I enjoy traveling with my husband and spending time with family. We love to get together for dinner and celebrations.
See you behind the wheel!
.
Joni Goeders (alias Ms. DaMeanor), Driver Ed Supervising Teacher / Trainer and Third Party Road Skills Tester
Professor Bernard and I opened our part-time school in 1998 while we both worked full time at Lockheed Martin. I worked in administration for 25 years and left with a degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix. Since retiring from Lockheed Martin in 2007, I have devoted myself to making First Class Driver the premier driving school it is. I am proud to say that we have been recognized as one of the area’s favorite driving schools and a favorite of both teen and adult drivers.
When I am not teaching or driving, my favorite of the many hats I wear is being a “Third-Party Tester.” Instead of waiting to go to the DPS to test, we offer the driving test for your convenience often same day testing. I was the first woman outside the DPS to be licensed as a Third-Party Tester in Fort Worth. It is such a joy to help those through and celebrate their accomplishments.
When I am not teaching students, vacationing is mandatory. My husband, Prof. Bernard and I love traveling, usually somewhere near the water. Kauai or Cabo are our favorite stops. I grew up going to Galveston to see family in the area and it is still my favorite Texas getaway.
What I really love most, however, is seeing our students become responsible drivers, safely pursuing their dreams down the road. I look forward to helping you become a knowledgeable and safe driver on the road, too.
Come see us. Our classes are Fast and Fun! That’s our ticket! Please check out our Facebook page to see our classes and students in action.
Paula Adams
I have been honored many times for my expertise and years of experience in Texas driver education. As a former school teacher in Abilene and owner of Abilene’s A-OK Driving School, I have taught many teens and adults the ins-and-outs of driver education and have helped aspiring driving professionals to move toward their dreams.
In addition to hands-on driver education and instructor training, I enjoy working closely with Ms. DaMeanor to set operating policies and procedures for First Class Driver and to ensure that teaching standards and class content are current and in compliance with Texas education requirements and guidelines.
What I enjoy most is sharing my love of driving with my students, as well as simple safety tips and professional secrets that will make them First Class drivers.
Penny Lopez, Executive Director and Driver Ed Teacher
I am a life-long educator having twenty-three years of experience in both public and private education. I attended Texas State University where I received my Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Ed, specializing in Reading and Language Arts. Over the years I have attained certifications in ESL, G/T, and Reading. I also hold a Lifetime Teaching Certificate from the state of Texas.
My classroom experience includes grades K4-12 either teaching students directly or training teachers. As an administrator, I served as Curriculum Director for grades K4-12 ensuring alignment with state/regional standards, providing professional development and budgeting school curriculum.
I first fell in love with Fort Worth while working on my master’s degree at Texas Christian University but did not become a resident until six years ago when my daughter became a student at Trinity Valley School. It was through TVS that we became a part of the First Class Driver family. All our new friends pointed us to the school for her teen driver education. As my daughter was taking her road test, I noticed Ms. DaMeanor needing help behind the desk so I jokingly mentioned I might be looking for a part time gig since
I was no longer in the education world (or so I thought!!) and my daughter would soon be leaving for college. Well, as they say, the rest is history! I started the next morning and am now full time as a Driver Ed Instructor and Executive Director of First Class Driver.
I absolutely love working with students and their families in meeting their driving goals whether behind the front desk or in the classroom teaching. It is very rewarding to incorporate my teaching skills in an exciting new way.
In my spare time, you can find me near water! I grew up on the coast and always find myself gravitating back to water! Whether it is whitewater rafting in Colorado or parasailing over the beaches of Anna Maria Island in Florida, I can truly say my happy place is with my family near anywhere near WATER!
Please check out our Facebook page to see our classes and students in action.
