At Tri-Area Trucking School, our instructors aren't just teachers, they're mentors and guides who help every student succeed. Aaron Schortgen, one of our newer instructors at the Fort Wayne campus, brings many years of real-world trucking experience and a passion for teaching. He helps students gain confidence behind the wheel and prepares them for a successful career, demonstrating that being a great instructor is about more than knowing the rules of the road, it's about guiding students, being patient, and sharing the lessons you've learned along the way.
Aaron's story is one of transformation, patience, and dedication. He spent nearly 20 years on the road as a professional truck driver before deciding to step off the highways and into the classroom. That decision not only changed his own life but also allowed him to positively impact countless students beginning their careers in trucking. Since joining Tri-Area Trucking School in December, Aaron has been an invaluable part of the Fort Wayne team, bringing both his hands-on expertise and his unique teaching approach to every student he mentors.
We had the pleasure of sitting down with Aaron to learn more about his journey, his insights into the trucking industry, and his approach to guiding students through the challenges of training.
Here is his story:
Tell me a little bit about yourself. Where did you grow up, and what led you into trucking? I grew up in a small town in Indiana. I spent almost my entire life there, from kindergarten all the way through high school. I've always been local, and even when it came time for college, I stayed nearby, studying computers. My first job after college was at a school here in Fort Wayne that promised good placement. They got me set up as a security officer, and it was there that I noticed all the trucks coming and going. That sparked my interest. I thought, well, maybe I should look into driving trucks. So back in 2005, I went and got my CDL. I went through a short school, kind of like what we do now, just a quick two-week course, and then I got out on the road. I drove for almost 20 years, and over time I started feeling tired of the constant traffic and long hours. Eventually, I decided it was time for a change. Teaching seemed like a natural next step, so I joined Tri-Area Trucking School, and I've been teaching ever since.
How has your experience as a truck driver influenced your approach to teaching? It's had a huge impact. Spending years on the road taught me patience, awareness, and the importance of thinking ahead. All things I now try to instill in my students. Being out there day in and day out, seeing the mistakes other drivers make, learning from them, and adapting to all kinds of situations. It's an experience you can't just get in a classroom. When I teach, I draw directly from those years, giving students real-world examples and showing them what works and what doesn't. It helps them understand the “why” behind what they're learning, not just the steps.
What was it like transitioning from driving to teaching? Honestly, I didn't know how I would do at first. I've got kids, and sometimes I'm not the most patient person, so I wasn't sure if I was cut out for teaching. But once I got into it, it started to click. The first few classes were a learning curve, but by the second, third, maybe fourth class, I really found my rhythm. It's been a rewarding experience, and I really enjoy helping students understand and gain confidence behind the wheel.
What surprised you the most about teaching at Tri-Area Trucking School? What surprised me most was how much personal satisfaction I get from seeing students grasp something they were struggling with. Every student learns differently, and trying to adapt my teaching to fit each person has been challenging but incredibly fulfilling. Some students need more hands-on guidance, others just need encouragement, and some need a mix of both. Watching that moment when it clicks for them, is really rewarding. Also, the support from my colleagues has been amazing. Even though I didn't have extensive training initially, just observing and asking questions from experienced instructors helped me learn on the job.
Have you faced any challenges while teaching? Definitely. Every student is unique, and figuring out how to guide each one effectively can be challenging. Sometimes I have to call my colleagues, like Jason or Stan, and ask for advice on how to handle a particular situation. It's not always straightforward, but having a team to rely on makes it manageable. Also, some students struggle with the memorization aspects of the training or with coordination while driving, and helping them overcome those hurdles takes creativity, patience, and persistence. It's rewarding when you see them succeed after initially struggling.
What advice would you give someone considering a career in trucking? If you're going to do it, do it young. Do it before you have a family because trucking can be demanding, especially at the beginning. Most new drivers have to take on long-haul jobs that aren't glamorous, they're the ones nobody wants. If you try to start when you already have family obligations, it can be tough. That said, it's never too late to start if you're passionate, but younger students have a bit more flexibility. Also, the more experience you have, the more opportunities open up. If you have a good record and time in, you can find jobs that offer better schedules, local routes, or even mentoring roles, like I've done. Trucking offers a lot of potential for growth, but it requires dedication, focus, and patience.
What are some of the most common struggles students face in the program? Students struggle in a few areas. Some have trouble with memory, which affects their ability to learn the pre-trip inspection and maneuvering steps. Others struggle with coordination, such as shifting gears, watching the road, and anticipating stops. It varies by student, but those are the most common challenges. The “aha” moments when they finally get it are always exciting. I love seeing the moment when a student says, “Oh, now I get it,” because you can see the confidence and understanding click into place.
Which part of the curriculum has the greatest long-term impact on students' careers? I think the driving portion, especially when students ride along with someone experienced who can give immediate feedback, is the most impactful. Being able to see a concept in action, make mistakes in a controlled environment, and get corrected in real-time is invaluable. That hands-on experience builds confidence and prepares students for real-world challenges they'll face once they graduate.
How do you help students who feel intimidated or lack confidence at the beginning? I tell them to stick with it. Many students doubt themselves at first, thinking the truck is too big or the maneuvers are too complicated. But once they get behind the wheel and start practicing, they realize it's much more manageable than they thought. It's all about breaking it down into steps, showing them the concept first, and then letting them apply it. A good instructor makes all the difference, just like a good boss at work, you need someone who can guide you effectively, not just watch.
What non-academic lessons do you hope your students take away from your classes? I try to teach more than just driving. I share real stories from the road, experiences with other drivers, and examples of how to handle unexpected situations. Those moments keep the classroom engaging and give students a sense of the real-world scenarios they'll face. It's important for students to understand that trucking is not just about following steps, it's about thinking ahead, problem-solving, and staying aware of your surroundings.
How do you spend your free time outside of teaching? I build apps and programs. I still use my computer degree a bit, and I enjoy playing around with coding. We camp as a family. Right now we're getting ready for probably our last trip of the season. I also ride my motorcycle when I can, sometimes even to work. Coding and app-building are hobbies that let me keep learning while also enjoying my downtime. I've even been working on a mobile app to help students practice their commercial learner's permit tests more effectively, which combines my teaching experience and tech skills.
How has teaching impacted your personal life? It's made me more patient, not just with students but with my kids as well. Driving for years on the road can make you critical of others, but teaching has helped me see things from a learning perspective. I understand that everyone starts somewhere, and that has carried over into how I interact with my family. I've learned to slow down, explain things, and appreciate the process of growth - both in students and in life.
What is your outlook on the future of trucking? We're always going to need truck drivers. No matter what technology or infrastructure changes happen, goods still need to get from the rail yard to the customer's door. There will always be demand, and there will always be opportunities for people willing to put in the work. Trucking is a never-ending, essential industry, and for those who are passionate and committed, it can be incredibly rewarding.
Who has inspired you along your journey? Several of my students have inspired me. I had an older student in one of my early classes whose precision while shifting was incredible. Watching him work taught me techniques I now pass on to other students. I've also learned a lot from my colleagues, like Stan, who is incredibly patient and level-headed. Having mentors and students to learn from has been invaluable to my growth as an instructor.
Aaron's journey from professional truck driver to instructor at Tri-Area Trucking School shows the impact of experience, mentorship, and dedication. His story highlights the challenges and rewards of both the trucking industry and the art of teaching. Students at Tri-Area not only learn technical skills from him but also gain insight into real-world applications, personal growth, and the mindset required to succeed in trucking.
For anyone considering a career in trucking, Aaron's advice is clear: be patient, stay committed, and trust the learning process. The road may be challenging at first, but with the right guidance and determination, it can lead to a fulfilling and rewarding career. At Tri-Area Trucking School, instructors like Aaron ensure that every student has the tools, support, and inspiration to drive toward success.
