TAM’s Master Trainer Program is a Train-the-Trainer course that teaches best practices for training transit bus and paratransit operators.  Through a combination of self-paced study and a three-day instructor-led course incorporating hands-on training, Master Trainer Graduates will exit the program with the knowledge and skills necessary to coach their colleagues to be safe and effective bus operators.

The Master Trainer Program is exclusively designed for community transportation employees whose job responsibilities include training. We recommend utilizing TAPTCO's tips on how to select a trainer.

Those who successfully obtain and certify as Master Trainers will be eligible for a discounted registration (10% off) at all future TAM training events (including the annual conference) as well as special, Master Trainer only events at events like the annual conference.

Click here to register!

Date/Time: February 10,11,12

• Tuesday, February 10: 9 AM to 5 PM
• Wednesday, February 11: 8 AM to 5 PM
• Thursday, February 12: 8 AM to 2 PM 

Location: This training will be hosted at Montgomery County DOT's Executive Office Building, located at 101 Monroe Street in Rockville, MD. 

Hotel: MDOT MTA will cover one night's hotel stay for each registered attendee - any additional nights are the responsibility of the attendee. The registrant will need to submit an RTAP reimbursement form to MDOT/MTA, Luke Benson at [email protected] after the Training. Note that only agencies will be reimbursed, not individuals. The Cambria Hotel at 1 Helen Heneghan Way, Rockville, MD, 20850 is located in walking distance to the training and the Metro is close by.

Deadline to Register: Monday, January 19, 2026 (Class size limited to 20, with a maximum of one attendee per organization.) Additional attendees can be waitlisted and will be admitted if there is a cancellation or space allows.

Presented by: 

• Tom Eser, Oceans Transit LLC
• Michael Noel, Noel Training & Consulting

Cost: $199. Open to TAM members only. 

Meals: Lunch and breaks will be provided during the training. Please indicate on your registration if you have any dietary restrictions.

Attire: Casual. Because it can be a challenge to keep the meeting room at a temperature that accommodates everyone, we recommend bringing a sweater or jacket to stay comfortable.

Available Seats: 20

ADVANCE WORK

Before attending the instructor-led course, participants must complete the following training programs, which are available online. If you've never registered for a TSI (Transportation Safety Institute) course before, visit their course page here and select 'Sign up for account'. Make sure you select the 'Transit Safety and Security' program when choosing your course area.

1. TSI’s Transit Bus Nomenclature (40 minutes)
2. TSI’s Fatigue and Sleep Apnea Awareness for Transit Employees (50 minutes)
3. TSI’s SMS Awareness (1 hour)
4. TSI’s Curbing Transit Employee Distracted Driving (30 minutes)

Instructor-Led Training: The three-day course will cover the following topics:

DAY ONE:

• Welcome, class overview, Ice Breaker
• Train The Trainer – It’s Not What You Teach, It’s What They Learn
• Play & learn
• Understanding the adult learner
• Four roles of the Trainer (Breakout Session)
• Two-minute presentations (Breakout Session)
• Communications
• Training tips for success
• Dealing with nervousness
• Training techniques for teaching a skill
• Training techniques addressing motivation & attitude
• Training methods that work
• Effective learning
• Important questions & take-a-ways

DAY TWO:

• Review of Day 1 & Icebreaker
• Review of required training, documentation, legal
• Required vs mandatory training
• Topics & lessons
• Where we teach
• Deeper into training techniques
• Stand Up & Share (In the Box)
• Practical Lessons: Who, what, where, when
• Special Situations: Emergencies, accidents, injuries
• Review of TAPTCO and other training materials
• Overview of student led presentations
• Prepping for student led presentations

DAY THREE:

• Review to this point 
• Stand Up & Train (2-member, 10-minute presentations with review)
• Developing training modules
• Developing training calendars
• Wrap up & lessons learned
• After class on-going activities
• Final thoughts from instructors & group

MASTER TRAINER CERTIFICATE
Upon completion of the outlined requirements, Master Trainer Certificates will be granted for a period of five years.  Renewal requirements include:

1. Attend at least two Master Trainer Retreats over the five-year period.  Master Trainer Retreats will be scheduled 1-2 times per year.
2. Deliver at least two workshops per year in their professional role as trainer at their agency.
3. Attend at least one instructor-led training program per year.  Alternatively, two live webinars or on-demand training programs can be substituted for one instructor-led training program.