School Bus Monitors: Ensuring Safe Rides for Students
If you have ever ridden a school bus or dropped off your kids on one, you have probably seen a school bus monitor. These professionals are an essential part of ensuring safe and secure transportation for students to and from school. In this article, we will explore what the occupation of a school bus monitor is, some examples of that job, and what kind of education or training you need to get there. We will also discuss how someone progresses between the levels and how to get into the field if you are new.
What is a School Bus Monitor?
A school bus monitor is responsible for ensuring students’ safety while on the bus and maintaining order during the ride. They also assist students with getting on and off the bus and ensuring that they arrive at school or home safely. They are an essential part of the team that ensures that students have a safe and secure journey to and from school.
Examples of School Bus Monitor Job Duties
There are many different roles and responsibilities that school bus monitors can perform, depending on the specific school district and the needs of the students. Some of the most common job duties of a school bus monitor include:
- Maintaining discipline on the bus and ensuring that students behave appropriately
- Assisting students with getting on and off the bus safely and ensuring that they are wearing their seat belts correctly
- Ensuring that students are seated properly on the bus and that there are no overcrowding issues
- Providing first aid if needed
- Reporting any safety or discipline issues to the school administration
Education and Training for School Bus Monitors
Most school districts require school bus monitors to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Additionally, they should be able to pass a background check and have a clean driving record. Depending on the specific requirements of the job, a school bus monitor may also need to complete additional training courses. Examples of these courses can include:
- First Aid and CPR training
- Classroom management and discipline strategies
- Defensive driving techniques
- Emergency response procedures
Progressing in the Field of School Bus Monitors
Once a person gets a job as a school bus monitor, they can aspire to advance to higher positions such as a lead bus monitor. This role involves supervising other bus monitors and ensuring that they are carrying out their duties correctly. They may also be involved in training new monitors. In some cases, a school district may require a lead bus monitor to have a degree or additional training.
How to Get Into the Field of School Bus Monitors
If you are interested in becoming a school bus monitor, the first step is to check with your local school district for job openings. Many schools advertise positions on their websites or in local newspapers. Once you find an opening, submit an application and resume to the school district. Given the importance of the job, it is essential to highlight any relevant experience in your resume and application. Be sure to emphasize your ability to work with children and your dedication to safety.
Salary Data for School Bus Monitors
School bus monitors work in various educational settings to ensure the safety and well-being of students while they are being transported to and from school. Here is some salary data for this occupation:
| Geography | Job Level | Pay Structure | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| US National Average | All workers | Level 01 | $31,345.60 |
| US National Average | Nonunion | All levels | $29,161.60 |
| US National Average | Part-time | All levels | $30,160.00 |
| US National Average | Part-time | Level 01 | $31,428.80 |
| US National Average | Time-based pay | All levels | $31,012.80 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | Time-based pay | All levels | $34,548.80 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | Part-time | All levels | $33,737.60 |
In general, school bus monitors earn an average salary of $31,345.60 per year. However, those who work in New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA tend to earn more than the national average, with a time-based pay structure offering an average salary of $34,548.80.
The effects of union on this job are not explicitly stated in the available data, but it is worth noting that the average salary for nonunion school bus monitors is lower than the national average, at $29,161.60 per year.
Conclusion
School bus monitors are essential in ensuring the safety and security of students on school buses. These professionals perform many critical roles, from maintaining discipline to providing first aid. Education requirements typically include a high school diploma, a clean driving record, and additional training courses as needed. Advancement opportunities include the role of lead bus monitor. If you are interested in pursuing a career in this field, start by checking local job openings and highlighting relevant experience in your application.
