A high school teacher is spending his summer OTR in what he says is a “needed” effort. 

Dave Dein, a Patterson High School truck driving school coordinator in Patterson, California, has taken to trucking this summer to help with the truck driver shortage and to lead his students by example. Dein leads one of the first high school truck driving programs in the country, and is so passionate about the program that he’s spending the summer practicing what he preaches. 

“I’ve literally seen lives transformed because of this class. That’s the reason I do this.  Because it’s needed,” Dein told CBS13.

In addition to helping with the driver shortage and setting a good example for nhis students, Dein says he will put all of his earnings from trucking towards a scholarship fund for his students as part of the Next Generation In Trucking Foundation.

“What he’s doing is amazing. I think it’s great that it benefits these students,” said former student Ricardo Jimenez.

“On his lunch, he would not have lunch. He would let you go in his room and use the simulator, let you talk to him about trucking or go out to the truck and ask questions — that’s just the person he is,” said Jimenez.

“Well the thing is, I don’t consider this work,” said Dein.  “I’m not giving up anything. I love this, for one thing, and to do it for such a good cause? That’s even better.”