For Coach Matthews, teaching driver’s education isn’t just about the rules of the road — it’s about changing lives and giving students the tools they need to navigate the world with confidence.
What started as a quiet dream during her years as a teacher became reality when an opportunity arose for her to become certified in driver’s education. After earning her credentials, Coach Matthews felt a wave of uncertainty, wondering if she was really ready. But everything clicked when she spotted a posting for female instructors — a moment she calls the sign she needed to trust herself. Thanks to a mentor who believed in her, she turned a long-held goal into a thriving business with Coach Matthews Driving School.
“I’ve always told myself I wanted to be the person I needed when I was younger — someone who listens, who understands, and who shows up when it matters,” Matthews shares. “Behind the wheel, I get the chance to be that person for my students.”
That deep connection is what makes her teaching style stand out. Lessons aren’t just about parallel parking or highway merges; they’re about building trust so students feel safe enough to learn and grow. Matthews tells every student not to lose her number, because she wants them to know she’ll be there — whether they have a driving question or just need someone to talk to. “These lessons aren’t just about how to drive — they’re about learning how to be independent and confident in a world that isn’t always forgiving.”
A huge part of her approach is helping new drivers — and often their parents — let go of the fear and misconceptions that can hold them back. Matthews says many teens start out convinced they can’t do it, but with patience and encouragement, they quickly realize they’re more capable than they thought. “The best part of my job is watching that shift happen,” she says. “Once a student sees they actually can drive, something clicks. They become determined, focused, and excited to learn.”
Her warm, supportive style even caught the internet’s attention. When her son, Jalen, suggested filming a TikTok, Matthews didn’t expect much. But their first video went viral overnight, and what started as a fun bonding activity turned into a platform reaching millions of viewers worldwide. She now posts driving tips, encouragement, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of life as an instructor, giving even those outside Missouri a chance to learn from her positive approach. “It became our thing — our time to bond — and I got to be the ‘cool mom’ for once,” she laughs.
One of Matthews’ most powerful reminders of why her work matters came when a husband needed his license so his family could function day to day. His wife had been fasting until he passed his test, making the outcome about so much more than driving. “I realized in that moment this was never just about getting a license — it was about survival, opportunity, and dignity,” Matthews recalls.
For Coach Matthews, driver’s education is about more than road signs and turn signals. It’s about showing students they can do hard things, helping them gain independence, and building their confidence for life beyond the driver’s seat. “That’s why I do what I do,” she says. “Because everyone deserves someone who believes in them.”