About Us
This isn't the driver's training your parents took! Excel's classes, developed by bilingual teachers with Business degrees and Masters degrees in Curriculum and Instruction, our instructors engage students in cooperative learning, class discussions, guest speakers, PowerPoint presentations, and computer-aided virtual learning and wireless smartboard technology. This is definitely NOT the "old school, book-based, homework packet" curriculum.
Your Instructors
Dallas Forester
My name is Dallas Forester and together with Chad Arnell am an original founder of Excel Driving Academy, now Excel Driving with our web address included in our name www.XLdriving.com for easy website access. My wife and I, along with our three daughters love the great state of Idaho and plan to be here for years to come. We welcome you to take a class with Excel and notice the difference in our program.
My background is in Business and Education with strong emphasis on technology. I have a B.S. in business from NNU, as well as undergraduate work in education at BSU. Together our team will provide you Idaho's finest opportunity to a life time of reduced risk driving. See you in class!
Chad Arnell
Hello! I have 8 years experience as an owner and instructor at Excel. I have been a Spanish teacher for 11 years. I earned a B.A. in Spanish and an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from Boise State University. I was nominated as teacher of the year by colleagues, parents and students at Lowell Scott Middle School in 2003.
It is a pleasure for me to work with the other talented driving instructors at Excel to provide the Treasure Valley with the best teen driver's training in Idaho!
Prior to becoming and educator, I traveled extensively throughout Central and South America. I lived in Buenos Aires, Argentina for two years. I also lived in Santiago, Chile and I have traveled through the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico 6 times. I love the Spanish language and culture! I am married with two energetic children. I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking and fishing with my son, running, watching movies, working with the guys and gals of Excel and traveling to Latin America. Welcome to Excel! I look forward to teaching you!
Christy Bertagnolli
Hello! My name is Christy. I love being part of the Excel team! When I'm not instructing for Excel, I teach advanced Spanish at Eagle High School. I enjoy spending time with my husband and two sons. We enjoy playing softball, traveling and spending time at our family cabin in McCall.
I look forward to instructing you!
Steve Curl
My name is Steven Curl and I have had the privilege of being an Idaho Educator for the past fourteen years. My present teaching position is at Lake Hazel Middle School where I teach Eighth Grade Physical Science and Astronomy.
In 2004, I was hired by Excel Driving Academy as an instructor. Before my employment, I had prior experience as a Meridian School District Driver's Education Instructor. I have both in the car and classroom experience. During the past five years, I have found that working with Chad, Dallas, and all the young drivers who have participated in Excel, to be an exceptionally positive experience. I am looking forward to many more good years as a driver's education instructor with the best driver's education program in the state of Idaho!
Andy Pence
My name is Andy Pence. I have been with Excel since 2002! It is fun being a part of a team that prides itself in providing excellence in driving instruction for teens. I have a bachelors degree in Spanish and Secondary Education, and a Masters in Educational Administration from NNU. I have taught at the Meridian Technical Charter School for 6 years.
I am married to my beautiful wife Mary and we have two very energetic daughters. We enjoy traveling to Central America where I lived for two years, and spending time in the Yucatan Peninsula traveling with students and parents.
We also enjoy spending time with our friends and family in the great outdoors of Idaho!
Welcome to Excel! You'll love our program!!!
Chance Wilson
Hi, my name is Chance Wilson and I have worked for Excel for 3 years. I teach Keyboarding and Computer Applications at Lowell Scott Middle School, and have worked there for 13 years. I have a beautiful wife, Crystal, and three great kids. Besides education and my family, my main interests are football and airplanes, particularly World War II warbirds. I look forward to working with you in the future!
Jason Meyers
My name is Jason Meyers. I teach the Gifted and Talented program at Lowell Scott Middle. I was nominated by colleagues, parents and students to be Lowell Scott Middle School's teacher of the year in 2010.
I have been with Excel Driving Academy for 5 years. I am married and have 4 very cute kids. I love to spend time in the outdoors with my family. Welcome to Excel! You are going to love our program!!!
Ed Aronson
Hello! My name is Ed Aronson and I came on board the Excel Team in the Fall of 2008. Prior to Excel, I taught driver's education for 8 years in Texas and I have been involved in education for over 35 years. I have a Masters and Specialist Degree in Administration and currently teach Algebra and Pre-Algebra at Eagle Middle School.
I enjoy spending time with my wife, coaching football and track and bike riding. My two grown children took driver's education classes when they were 15 and Excel is by far the best program around.
I am pleased and privileged to teach you in the classroom and behind the wheel. Guard your speed and space for safe driving!