Meet The Instructors
Our team of experienced instructors is made up of current and former ISD 196 teachers, bringing over 70 years of combined experience in behind-the-wheel driver education. Each of us has dedicated our careers to teaching and mentoring young people - whether in the classroom, on the field/court/rink as coaches, or in the driver’s seat. At South Metro Driving School, we’re proud to bring that same passion and expertise to helping new drivers gain the skills and confidence they need to stay safe on the road.
Program Director Chris Scanlon
I have been a lifelong member of the ISD 196 community as a student, teacher, and parent. Since 2002, I have taught in the district’s Business Department, covering a wide range of business education courses. For the past nine years, I have also been teaching classroom driver education, combining my passion for teaching with preparing students for safe driving.
Outside of the classroom, I grew up playing soccer, hockey, and golf, and went on to play college soccer while earning my bachelor’s degree at Drake University. I later completed my Master’s in Education at Mankato State University and received my Driver Education certification from St. Cloud State University.
I started South Metro Driving School to fill the need left when ISD 196 ended its behind-the-wheel program. My goal is to provide students with a superior educational experience that blends skill, confidence, and safety.
Instructor Mark Groebner
Hi, I’m Mark Groebner, and I’m currently in my 26th year of teaching at Eastview High School. I’ve spent the last couple of years teaching Safety Education and Behind-the-Wheel, and I’ve loved every minute of helping students gain confidence behind the wheel.
I earned my first Master’s Degree in Applied Kinesiology from the University of Minnesota, and my second in Health Education from Minnesota State University. When I’m not teaching or out on the road, I’m usually on the field; I also coach Freshman Football at Eastview.
Outside of school, I’m a proud dad of four. Two of my kids have graduated from Eastview - my oldest son plays hockey at Army West Point, and my oldest daughter plays at Gustavus Adolphus. My third is still at Eastview, and my youngest keeps us laughing at Falcon Ridge Middle School.
Whether it’s in the classroom, on the field, or in the car, I try to keep things light, positive, and focused on growth. Learning to drive can be stressful — but with a little patience (and maybe a few dad jokes), we’ll get you there safely and confidently.
Instructor Paul Trewick
I was born in St. Cloud, Minnesota, and have dedicated over 40 years to teaching and coaching in ISD 196. Much of my career has been spent as a program director and instructor in driver education at Apple Valley High School, along with teaching business and physical education. With decades of experience, I am proud to be one of the most knowledgeable and seasoned driver education instructors in the state.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in education from St. Cloud State University, a master’s degree from St. Thomas University, and my Driver Education Certification from St. Cloud State University. My passion lies in helping young people learn; not only how to drive, but also how to think about safety, responsibility, and life. Every lesson is an opportunity to shape safer drivers and, in turn, safer roads.
Instructor Marc Tobias
I have taught Driver’s Education for 15 years, working with well over 1,000 behind-the-wheel students. During my first 10 years, I also taught the classroom portion of driver education. Helping students grow into safe, confident drivers has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career.
Background: I have been married for 25 years and have lived in Rosemount for 22 years. My wife and I have three children who all attended Rosemount High School. I’m an avid hockey, dance, bowling, lacrosse, and football dad, and I’ve always enjoyed being involved in both school and community activities.
I have been a science teacher for 30 years and currently teach at Two Rivers High School in Mendota Heights.
As both a teacher and a parent, I believe it is important to stay involved in students’ lives and activities. Over the years, I have coached hockey from Mini Mites through Varsity, along with middle school soccer and softball. I’ve also enjoyed building sets for school musicals and creating props for dance programs.
I enjoy connecting with students and finding common interests to talk about while they drive. Those conversations help students relax, build confidence, and learn how to manage distractions responsibly while staying focused on the road.
Driving Tip: Remember to SMOG every time when changing lanes. Signal, Mirrors, Over-the-shoulder, and Go. Consistent blind spot checks are one of the most important habits a new driver can develop.
Instructor Erik Auge
I have taught Driver Education for over 20 years, helping thousands of students become safer, more confident drivers. Working with teens during this important stage of life has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career.
I’m also a teacher and the proud parent of three boys. Over the years, I have coached baseball and basketball, and I enjoy family time and attending sporting events. My experience as both an educator and a parent helps me connect with students and understand what they need to succeed.
First Car: A navy blue Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme I shared with my younger brother
Dream Car: Chevrolet Corvette
Road Test: Passed the first time with a 100% score and I still remind family and friends about it
I enjoy talking with students about their interests, hobbies, family, sports, and driving experiences. Building that connection helps students feel comfortable and ready to learn.
I believe my calm approach, years of experience, and dedication to student growth make me an effective instructor. My goal is to help students become not only better drivers, but also responsible young adults.
Best Driving Tips:
Keep a 3–4 second following distance to give yourself time to react.
Drive like you’re invisible—never assume others see you.
Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
Instructor Dalen Wasmund
Hello new drivers and parents of new drivers. My name is Dalen Wasmund and this is my ninth year of teaching behind the wheel. I taught mathematics and coached in district 196 for 41+ years. I competed in wrestling at the University of Minnesota while I gained my undergraduate degree in mathematics education. I have a masters in educational leadership from Mankato State University. I received my Drivers Education certification from St. Cloud University and have been teaching students behind the wheel for nine years. My wife Catherine and I have three boys that went through District 196 schools and competed in several different sports.
I enjoy getting to know the teenagers that come to me to learn how to drive and explore the rules of the road with me. I enjoy watching them grow, gain confidence, and learn how to be good citizens while sharing the road with others. I am pretty laid-back when I share my thoughts about how to be a safe and successful driver.
Instructor Tim Bergstedt
I am a product of ISD 196 attending Diamond Path, Scott Highlands and Rosemount High School 1997 graduate. I received my undergraduate degree from University of North Dakota in Physical Education/Coaching and graduate work was completed at Bethel University gaining my Health teaching license. I also received my Driver Education teaching license through St. Cloud State. I received my Masters in teaching Special Education for LD, ASD and EBD students through St. Mary’s University.
I have been teaching PE/Health and classroom Driver Education as program coordinator/authorized signer at Rosemount High School and behind the wheel in-car instructor for 25 years now. I also coached volleyball and softball at 9th and 10th grade levels for 11 years in my first years.
My wife and I live in Rosemount with our 2 children ages 13 and 7. We enjoy spending time outdoors and traveling when we can!
I am very excited about this opportunity to continue my part in helping keep our streets as safe as we can taking my role very seriously helping students in a professional way as if they were my own kids. I am very patient and knowledgeable about how to meet each student where their ability level is at and watching them feel more confident as the lessons continue. It’s fun to see how students are so amazed at how simplified we can make parking and other typically perceived more challenging skills easier than they may have thought they would be to succeed!
Behind-The-Wheel Lesson in the South Metro Twin Cities area have always been in high demand and with the closure of the ISD 196 Driving Program - demand will continue to grow. SMDS is currently hiring Driving Instructors to meet this demand and keep BTW wait times low, ideally so students can complete their Behind-The-Wheel Lessons within a month or two of requesting to Schedule BTW Lessons. If you or someone you know is interested in joining our Elite Staff of Licensed Driver Education Instructors, Contact SMDS Directly for more information. The most streamlined process to become a Behind-The-Wheel Driving Instructor is Driver Education Teaching Certification and Licensure through St. Cloud State University.