What Does a Bus Monitor Do?

Bus monitors are responsible for ensuring that students get to and from school safely. They monitor the behavior of students on the bus, making sure that they follow all safety rules and regulations. They may also be tasked with providing assistance to students who need help getting onto or off of the bus.

Bus monitors must have strong interpersonal skills in order to effectively monitor a group of students at once. They must also be able to remain calm under pressure and think clearly when faced with unexpected situations.

Bus Monitor Job Duties

A bus monitor typically has a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Making sure students are following the rules, such as sitting quietly and staying in their seats
• Taking notes of violations so that parents can be notified about any behavior problems
• Monitoring the safety of students on the bus by ensuring that no one is left alone or unsupervised
• Reporting any accidents or incidents to the school administration or appropriate authorities
• Maintaining order on the bus by enforcing rules and procedures established by school administration
• Providing assistance to students who need it, such as those with special needs
• Ensuring that students get off the bus at the correct stop, and then helping them get ready to enter the building
• Supporting students’ social development by helping them make friends with other children on the bus, especially during long trips
• Communicating with parents about any behavioral issues their children are experiencing on the bus

Bus Monitor Salary & Outlook

Bus monitors’ salaries vary depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the size and location of the school district. They may also earn additional compensation in the form of overtime.

• Median Annual Salary: $36,000 ($17.31/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $47,000 ($22.6/hour)

The employment of bus monitors is expected to grow much faster than average over the next decade.

Demand for bus monitors is expected to increase as school districts hire more of them to help control costs and ensure student safety. In addition, the need to monitor students on field trips will continue to be necessary because of concerns about liability.

Related: 25 Bus Monitor Interview Questions and Answers

Bus Monitor Job Requirements

A bus monitor typically needs to have the following qualifications:

Education: Bus monitors typically need at least a high school diploma or GED certificate. Some employers may prefer candidates who have completed some college coursework.

Training & Experience: Bus monitors often receive on-the-job training from their supervisors or other staff members. This training may include how to use the bus route scheduling software, how to handle any emergencies that may arise and how to handle any disciplinary issues with students.

Certifications & Licenses: Bus monitors do not require any certifications to obtain employment. However, some states do have requirements for school bus drivers to hold a license to operate the vehicle, and bus monitors may need to obtain a license if they are expected to drive students to and from school.

Bus Monitor Skills

Bus monitors need the following skills in order to be successful:

Patience: Patience is another skill that bus monitors should have. They may have to deal with unruly students, delays in their routes or other unexpected circumstances that may cause them to change their plans. Having patience can help them remain calm and continue to lead their students in a positive manner.

Communication: Bus monitors should be able to communicate with students and parents. They should be able to explain the rules of the bus and answer questions from students. They should also be able to communicate with parents about any issues their children may have on the bus.

Organization: Organization is another skill that can help bus monitors be more effective in their roles. They often have many responsibilities, including managing student behavior, ensuring students are on the right bus and keeping track of student belongings. Being organized can help them complete their tasks in a timely manner and ensure students are safe and comfortable.

Attention to detail: Bus monitors should be able to pay close attention to the details of their job. This includes knowing the routes they drive, the stops they make and the students they transport. Attention to detail can help a bus monitor ensure they are doing their job correctly and keeping students safe.

Empathy: Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Bus monitors can use this skill to help students feel comfortable and safe on the bus. For example, if a student is nervous about riding the bus for the first time, a bus monitor can use empathy to help the student feel more comfortable.

Bus Monitor Work Environment

Bus monitors typically work in the transportation industry, monitoring buses and their passengers. They may work for a public or private bus company, or they may be employed by the government. Bus monitors typically work full time, and they may be required to work nights, weekends, and holidays. Some bus monitors may be required to work overtime. The work can be stressful, and bus monitors may be exposed to dangerous situations. They must be able to remain calm in the face of chaos and be able to take quick and decisive action when necessary.

Bus Monitor Trends

Here are three trends influencing how bus monitors work. Bus monitors will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Growth of Digital Learning

The growth of digital learning is a trend that is quickly changing the education landscape. As more and more students learn through online resources, schools are beginning to invest in technology that can help them keep up with the latest trends.

Bus monitors can play an important role in this process by helping to ensure that students are using the technology effectively and staying on track with their lessons. They can also provide support for students who may be having trouble with the material or have questions about how to use the technology.

More Focus on Student Engagement

Schools are increasingly focusing on student engagement as a way to improve academic performance. This means that bus monitors will need to focus on creating positive relationships with students and keeping them entertained during the ride to and from school.

Bus monitors can utilize a variety of methods to engage students, such as games, activities, and conversations. They can also work with teachers and parents to create a positive environment for students.

Technology Use Continues to Grow

As technology use continues to grow in schools, bus monitors will need to adapt and learn how to use these tools in order to better serve students.

Bus monitors can use technology to connect with students and keep them engaged during the ride to and from school. This can include using social media platforms to share updates and photos, or using apps to help students with homework.

How to Become a Bus Monitor

A bus monitor career can be a great way to get started in the education field. As a bus monitor, you’ll have the opportunity to work with students of all ages and help them learn and grow. You’ll also get to know the families of the students on your bus route and become part of their community.

To become a bus monitor, you’ll need to be certified by your state. Most states require that you complete an online training course and pass a test. You may also need to take a physical fitness test. Once you’re certified, you can start looking for jobs near you.

Advancement Prospects

Bus monitors typically start out working for a school district or private bus company. Some may advance to become dispatchers, responsible for assigning buses and drivers to routes. Others may become lead monitors, responsible for training new monitors and enforcing safety rules. With experience, some bus monitors may become transportation managers, responsible for an entire fleet of buses and drivers.

Bus Monitor Job Description Example

At [CompanyX], we provide safe and reliable transportation for our students to and from school each day. We’re looking for a bus monitor to join our team to help ensure the safety and well-being of our students while they are on the bus. The ideal candidate will have experience working with children, as well as a clean driving record. He or she will be responsible for supervising the students on the bus, making sure they stay seated and behave appropriately. The bus monitor will also be responsible for keeping the bus clean and organized, and for communicating with the bus driver to ensure the safety of the students.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe and orderly environment on the bus at all times, enforcing rules and regulations
• Assist students in boarding and exiting the bus safely and in a timely manner
• Help students find their assigned seats and maintain good seat discipline throughout the ride
• Keep an accurate headcount of students on the bus at all times and report any discrepancies to the driver
• Be aware of student behavior and report any disciplinary issues or concerns to the driver
• Help students with special needs or disabilities with anything they may need during the ride
• Serve as a positive role model for students, demonstrating good character traits such as respectfulness, responsibility, and cooperation
• Handle minor first-aid situations that may arise on the bus
• Help keep the bus clean and tidy, picking up any trash that is left behind
• Assist the driver with any tasks that may be needed, such as opening or closing the bus doors
• Be familiar with the route the bus will be taking and be able to give directions to the driver if needed
• Remain calm and level-headed in emergency situations

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Patience and a calm demeanor
• Excellent customer service skills
• Ability to stand for long periods of time
• Strong observational and problem-solving skills
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• High school diploma or equivalent

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Previous experience working with children
• First aid certification
• CPR certification
• Comfort with handling minor disciplinary issues
• Bilingual