Monday, October 3, 2011

School Bus Drivers - What is Their Real Job Description?

By Steven P. Reynolds


On-The-Job Requirements:

School bus drivers need to pick up students and drop them off at specified locations such as school, athletic events and neighborhood stops. They have to keep a very strict schedule when doing it.

Some school bus drivers also transport students and teachers on field trips and to sporting events.

Drivers are primarily responsible for keeping the children safe. That is why they can only allow children on board. They also need to care for children with special needs and possibly certain disabilities.

Many school bus drivers do more than just what their job title assumes. They also work as mechanics, groundskeepers and extra classroom help to the teachers.

School bus drivers don't collect fares for obvious reasons, but they still need to gather data while they are out there. They prepare weekly reports totaling the number of pupils, routes or "runs," fuel used, miles, and total hours worked.

The Working Environment:

A school bus driver goes to work without being directly watched by a superior. This is a wonderful thing. They take the wheel of their bus, without anyone over their shoulder telling them what to do. The bus and the passengers are the driver's responsibility. Many school buses now also come with special seats and controls. This makes the driver more comfortable, allowing him/her to drive safely.

Many times school bus drivers can take their bus home with them, or at least park it somewhere closer to home than the bus depot. This makes the extra commute after a whole day of commuting a lot easier.

The Hard Parts:

Drivers need to be wary of dense traffic conditions. But, they also need to watch out for light traffic because it can easily put them ahead of schedule. And they don't want to miss any kids.

It is no secret that handling a bus, and a bus full of kids, is pretty stress full. But, many bus drivers feel very rewarded by what they do and that is something invaluable.

The Buses:

Every district has different needs, that is why there are buses made to hold only 15 kids and buses that hold 100. It all depends where you work




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