Trucker Buddy News

Trucker Buddy news

‘Traveling teacher’ in it for the long haul

Little did Steve Weibley know that, way back in 1996 when his daughter entered second grade in Cynthia Paulson’s class and he joined her as a Trucker Buddy, he was embarking on a 10-year endeavor that would positively impact the education of hundreds of schoolchildren. In recognition of this contribution, Weibley was named October Trucker Buddy Driver of the Month.

“Steve has made a difference in the lives of my second-grade students. He is a wonderful role model, always championing learning and the importance of education,” relates Paulson, who taught at Sarah Milner Elementary School in Loveland, CO before retiring this year.

Over the years, Trucker Buddy Steve be-came more than a Trucker Buddy to Paul-son’s second graders. Some call him an “ex-tra” teacher, some call him their “traveling” teacher. No matter the nickname, Weibley is involved in the children’s education.

“Steve teaches lessons in a variety of subject areas, including reading, writing, mathematics, geography and economics,” Paul-son says. “I hear a lot of comments from parents about Trucker Buddy Steve’s lessons. Favorites include ‘Trip Down the Mississippi River,’ ‘Colorado’s Seven Border States,’ ‘The Interstate Highway System’ and ‘Questions and Answers with Trucker Buddy Steve.’”

Weibley visits the school about once a month, arriving in his Stevens Transport rig, for whom he is a company driver. He sends postcards on a regular basis, as well as maps, travel brochures and educational materials. Weibley also participates in community events held in Loveland.

Each Trucker Buddy Driver of the Month receives a personalized jacket, along with a check for $300 to spend on the class and $200 in Trucker Buddy merchandise, compliments of ACS MultiMedia Advertising.

Weibley is among some 3,500 professional drivers who share their time with elementary classes throughout the world. The only criteria to be a Trucker Buddy is to be a truck driver and willing to send a postcard each week to a class in grades two through eight. Drivers and teachers can find out more about the program by visiting www.truckerbuddy.org or calling (800) MY BUDDY.

Photo caption:

Trucker Buddy Steve Weibley and teacher Cynthia Paulson with her class at Sarah Milner Elementary School during the 2005-06 school year.