Bus Drivers: The invisible cog in the wheel

Bus drivers might be considered an invisible cog in the wheel of education (no pun intended).  They drop kids off in the morning and pick them up in the afternoon, but are usually not on campuses.   But, the bus driver has an impact that extends well beyond the walls of the bus.  For many, bus drivers are the first school related face a child sees in the morning and the last they see in the afternoon.  Their approach to kids can make or break a child's day.  It can also affect a campus as kids who get off the bus upset or wild carry that demeanor into the school. On the flip side, kids who leave the bus orderly and with a pleasant ride bring that calmness into the building.

Drivers often carry fifty or more students at a time and must both safely drive the bus and maintain order.  This is not an easy task and requires strong student management skills. Effective bus drivers have developed routines for their buses and built relationships with their kids.  Just like a classroom teacher, they teach the kids the expectations and routines early on in the year and reteach as needed. They know the kids by name, set up seating charts, have consistent rules and consequences, and hold kids accountable.  These drivers know the impact they have on students.

Another thing bus drivers see daily is where students live.  This gives them a glimpse into the lives of kids that other educators often do not.  If you are wondering why a student has suddenly started acting up, ask their bus driver. They may be able to give you a glimpse into the child's world that those at the school cannot.

For those on campuses, I encourage you to find the time to ride a bus at least one day a year.  Call your Transportation Director and ask how to set that up.  I promise that it will change your perspective on the role of the bus driver and may even help you see your students in a different light.