Some of Bert Snow's admirers talk over old times with their favorite driver's ed instructor. From left are David Manning, Jordan Flint, Josh Clark, and Justin Densmore. Snow is retiring from South Royalton High School after a varied career at age 87. (Provided / Mary Waterman)

From Driver's Ed.

At Age 87

Contrary to popular myth, being a driver's ed teacher is "not really a high risk job," explained Bert Snow, who at age 87 is retiring as South Royalton School driver's education instructor.

He's believed to be the oldest driver's ed teacher in the country, and his career also includes years as a guidance director, outdoor leader, three years' service in World War II, and two years as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Philippines.

Snow figures he has taught over 4000 high school kids in 35 years. He stressed that it's an inaccurate notion that every kid with a license is a highway terror. Many, he noted, are somewhat nervous about automobiles and some even wait until they're older to get a license.

As for memories about his job, he laughed.

"There are lots of them!" He recalls only one minor scare, with two accidents that were reportable.

One of the accidents was actually a sideswipe by another driver—NOT the fault of the driver ed student! He recalled some near-incidents with nature, such as turkeys flying in front of the car, and deer crossing their paths—"sometimes I thought we would certainly hit them, but we didn't."

He and his students have also seen moose and bear around on their drives, but most students drive "without an incident," he said.

The current training vehicle is a PT Cruiser on loan from Crawford's Autoland and with nearly three years of service the mileage is at 83,000. The passenger seat is equipped with a brake, and unlike some driver's ed cars lacks special mirrors to observe student's faces.

He joked, "I don't need that to see if the kid is looking at some blond along the side of the road!"

In 1968 Snow started as guidance director at South Royalton School and picked up driver's education on the side. After 18 years in guidance, he took two years of "retirement"—working for the Peace Corps in the Philippines. There he assisted a doctor with primary health care and health education.

He returned to part-time driver's education instruction at South Royalton School, then added Chelsea High School for the last 20 years. He's also instructed driver's education for Whitcomb, Northfield, and Woodstock Schools.

He provided students with 30 hours of classroom instruction and the 6 hours of student driving occurs simultaneously. Snow started new drivers on the back roads near schools, then took them onto highways such as Rt. 14, where they practice their skills, then on to the interstate and into small cities.

Depression Years

Snow grew up in Barre, where he lived until age 19.

"During the Depression you had to go where the work took you," he explained. "People have little idea what life was like. Well-dressed hobos would show up at the back of restaurants begging for a sandwich, and others would rummage through the garbage looking for food."

From 1942-1945 Snow served in the Army as supervisor of food services in France, Belgium, and Germany.

"Sometimes the war moved a little too close and we would have to move camp."

After finishing in the Army, he completed four years of college, then did youth work for the YMCA. While working for the YMCA in NJ he was involved in some of the early youth integration activities, then moved back to VT to start full-time work for South Royalton School.

During the summers, starting in 1972, he became a legend at Camp Billings, A YMCA-affiliated camp on Lake Fairlee, taking youth on nature outings to Alaska, Mexico, and more.

When asked about his new retirement plans, Mr. Snow laughed and reflected that most retirees spend their young retirement years out chasing around, while he spent it doing what he wanted to do—teach.

"I have had a great bunch of kids; I'll miss the kids!"

Cards are encouraged for Mr. Snow, who might appreciate hearing your driving experiences! They may be sent to South Royalton School, 223 So. Windsor Street, South Royalton, VT 05655.

By Mary Waterman

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