With our children’s education at stake, we want retired truck drivers or younger adults looking for a local career to consider the important job of a school bus driver.
But why?
Well, Pennsylvania has been experiencing a school bus driver shortage for years now, which has led to several issues for students and families. These include:
- Bus routes canceled, forcing students and their families to find other transportation
- Longer bus rides, making students spend more time on the bus and less time getting rest and homework done.
- Parents driving their children, causing issues with work schedules, or
- Drastic measures, such as State College Area School District considering expanding how far students need to live from school to be eligible for bus transportation and make them walk or ride a bike to school.
The thing is, being a school bus driver is far more than just driving a bus.
It’s about making a positive impact on children’s lives, contributing to the community, and finding personal satisfaction in a role that’s essential to the functioning of our education system.
I want to show you why this career is valuable and a good tool for moving into other careers.
Bus Drivers Make a Positive Impact on Children’s Lives
As a school bus driver, you are often the first and last school figure that children see each day.
This position allows you to play a significant role in their daily routine, offering a friendly smile, a warm greeting, and a sense of safety and security.
Drivers can make a difference by being a positive influence, creating a safe and welcoming environment for students.
In fact, children often look up to their bus drivers, and the daily interactions can help set the tone for their day.
For you, it is just rewarding knowing that your time behind-the-wheel can create smiles for a lifetime.
Bus Drivers Play A Critical Role in the Community
I grew up as a military brat, moving around every few years. This means I wasn’t really part of the community the way most families experience it.
School bus drivers became a daily connection that allowed me to feel tethered to the local community.
But it’s even more than that.
As a parent with a spouse working in education, I am very aware that school bus drivers are essential to the smooth operation of the education system.
They ensure that students get to school safely and on time, which is a responsibility of immense value to families and the broader community. Without dedicated bus drivers, many families would struggle with the logistics of getting their children to school, especially in areas without reliable public transportation.
Drivers also help ease traffic congestion around schools and promote safer school zones. Their presence ensures that traffic rules are followed, particularly in areas where children are boarding and exiting the bus, adding another layer of protection to students’ daily commute.
Bus Drivers Have Job Stability
One of the appealing aspects of being a school bus driver is job stability.
School transportation is a critical service, and there is always a need for qualified drivers. The demand for school bus drivers has been consistently high, providing job security for those in this field.
During economic recessions, job security becomes a primary concern for many workers as businesses tighten budgets, lay off employees, and scale back operations. In such times, finding a career that offers stability, reliable income, and consistent demand is crucial.
A school bus driver position, especially for those holding a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), stands out as a recession-resistant career choice.
In fact, school transportation services are not easily outsourced, automated, or eliminated, making the role of a school bus driver indispensable.
Even during the pandemic when schools shifted to hybrid or remote learning models, transportation departments continue to operate, often reassigning drivers to other essential tasks like delivering meals or school supplies to students.
Bus Drivers Have Flexibility and Work-Life Balance
A career as a school bus driver can offer a more balanced work-life schedule compared to other driving jobs. The typical schedule involves driving in the early morning and afternoon, which allows drivers to have the middle of the day free.
This flexibility can be ideal for those who have other responsibilities, such as childcare or a second job.
The nature of the work also means weekends, evenings, and summers are often free, providing plenty of time for personal activities, hobbies, or spending time with family.
Furthermore, many school bus drivers are eligible for unemployment benefits during the summer months when schools are not in session, providing an additional safety net that many other jobs do not offer.
Bus Drivers Can Easily Move Careers with Their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
That’s right, having a CDL opens up additional job opportunities, such as driving for charter buses, paratransit services, or working with delivery companies.
You can use your CDL for supplemental income or look to grow your career as a local, regional, for
Moreover, the training and experience gained as a school bus driver can open doors to other career opportunities within transportation, such as supervisory roles, dispatcher positions, or even driver training instructor jobs.
The skills acquired on the job are highly transferable, providing a solid foundation for further career advancement.
Become a School Bus Driver and Get Your CDL Today
Looking to take advantage of jobs like at First Student?
They are hiring part-time and full-time school bus drivers in Pennsylvania, offering up to $20.90/hr, up to $3,500 sign-on bonus for fully-licensed drivers, and more for anyone at least 21 years old with a valid driver’s license for at least 3 years.
To become a licensed school bus driver a person must have a Class A or B CDL with both passenger and school bus endorsements. A further brake endorsement may be required depending on the type of brakes on the bus.
CNS Driver Training Center is a one-on-one CDL School in Lititz, Pennsylvania where we can grow your driving skills, prepare you for your driving test, and conduct the driving skills portion of your CDL test.
Fill out the form below to learn more.
