Part 9: DRIVER/STUDENT INTERACTIONS
It would be great if you got to drive your school bus around empty all
day. But that would sort of defeat the purpose, wouldn't it? Since we do transport young students and we do interact with them, good and bad, let's take a look at some problems we may encounter.
If You're Yelling, You're Losing!
Raising your voice at a student shows YOUR immaturity and does not inspire them to follow your instructions. Your voice should never reach a level above that which is needed to be heard above the noise of the bus.
It would be great if you got to drive your school bus around empty all
day. But that would sort of defeat the purpose, wouldn't it? Since we do transport young students and we do interact with them, good and bad, let's take a look at some problems we may encounter.
Never allow yourself to get into a verbal argument with a student. Once you've instructed them to behave, don't get into a debate as to the validity of your rule or how it should be carried out.
Students love to argue you down and they are always looking for weakness or an opening to wear you down.
It's like wrestling with a pig in the mud. You both get dirty, and the pig loves it!
Students love to argue you down and they are always looking for weakness or an opening to wear you down.
It's like wrestling with a pig in the mud. You both get dirty, and the pig loves it!
We play a huge part in a child's mental development
Psychological wounds are not visible, but they can persist for years. This is why you should never be little a student. Do not give your students "funny" degrading nick names like "Chubby" or "Red". It's hard to believe that I need to say this, but you would be surprised how many times I hear a driver refer to their students with less-than-ideal mick names.If possible, punish in private
If you must reprimand a student, and if possible, do it in private. Preferably at the driver's seat as the student is getting on or off the bus.
Less is Best
When it comes to "outside the bus" contact with a student is concerned... Less is definitely Best!
You are not their peer so don't act like their BFF.
You are not their counselor who needs to save them. If they need counseling, there are professionals who do that. If you are made aware of a problem, you can suggest they seek help. If it's a serious problem, you may need to *report it.
* Read Part 2: Tiny Faces of Despair: Mandatory Reporting
They are to focus solely on transportation.
Student transportation is basically,
NO TOUCH FREIGHT
You are not their peer so don't act like their BFF.
You are not their counselor who needs to save them. If they need counseling, there are professionals who do that. If you are made aware of a problem, you can suggest they seek help. If it's a serious problem, you may need to *report it.
* Read Part 2: Tiny Faces of Despair: Mandatory Reporting
No Touch Freight
In the trucking industry there is a term they use called "No touch freight". It means the driver is not responsible to load, unload or in any way, handle the cargo.They are to focus solely on transportation.
Student transportation is basically,
NO TOUCH FREIGHT
There is never a reason you should ever be touching your students. Period. I do know that youngsters have a tendency to want to give their drivers' a hug at times. Especially after the summer or a long holiday when they haven't seen you in a while. I would suggest you do your best to deflect even this gesture. I know it's tough to refuse a small child that hug but it's in your best interest to avoid it. When a student comes towards you with the intent to be hugged, extend your hand out for a nice high five or even a knuckled fist bump.
What if I know the child's family or you're related?
Again, it's best to avoid contact while on the school bus. You don't want to be seen by other students or parents, hugging a student. They probably won't know about your outside friendship/relationship, and it could look... problematic. Have a talk with your friends or family member and explain the situation so it can be explained to their child in a way they can be made to understand that. "Uncle Frank or Aunt Jane love you but they can't hug you and not the other students while on the bus."
There are other boundaries that should NEVER be crossed.
Don't meet up with your students outside the school bus
Absolutely no good can ever come from such a meeting. You are the adult. Behave like an adult. If the student wants to meet up to unburden themselves of problems in their lives... let me repeat, there are professionals that do that and you're not one of them. Have them seek help elsewhere. If the student is exhibiting romantic feelings toward you. Report it and if it's on camera, have it documented. you may need to be removed from that route as a precaution. If you are having romantic feelings towards your student, quit your job and seek personal help. Driving a school bus might not be the job for you!
Don't share contact information
Students should not have your cell phone number, and you should not have theirs. Phone call records can be subpoenaed, and text messages can be misconstrued and used as evidence against you in a court of law. Your intentions could be perfectly innocent. The student may just want to text you to let you know they won't be riding that day. That's not how the system is supposed to work. Their parents should be making that call and NOT TO YOU. All contact should funnel through the school district to dispatch to you. Play it smart and safe. Follow your company's rules on student call offs.
Also avoid student friend request on Facebook. They don't need to see your vacation pics from last summer or your favorite recipe for chili. Avoid following them on Tic Toc or Instagram as well. Use some common sense. Don't give even a hint of appropriateness with a student.
What if I know the child's family or you're related?
Again, it's best to avoid contact while on the school bus. You don't want to be seen by other students or parents, hugging a student. They probably won't know about your outside friendship/relationship, and it could look... problematic. Have a talk with your friends or family member and explain the situation so it can be explained to their child in a way they can be made to understand that. "Uncle Frank or Aunt Jane love you but they can't hug you and not the other students while on the bus."
There are other boundaries that should NEVER be crossed.
Don't meet up with your students outside the school bus
Absolutely no good can ever come from such a meeting. You are the adult. Behave like an adult. If the student wants to meet up to unburden themselves of problems in their lives... let me repeat, there are professionals that do that and you're not one of them. Have them seek help elsewhere. If the student is exhibiting romantic feelings toward you. Report it and if it's on camera, have it documented. you may need to be removed from that route as a precaution. If you are having romantic feelings towards your student, quit your job and seek personal help. Driving a school bus might not be the job for you!
Don't share contact information
Students should not have your cell phone number, and you should not have theirs. Phone call records can be subpoenaed, and text messages can be misconstrued and used as evidence against you in a court of law. Your intentions could be perfectly innocent. The student may just want to text you to let you know they won't be riding that day. That's not how the system is supposed to work. Their parents should be making that call and NOT TO YOU. All contact should funnel through the school district to dispatch to you. Play it smart and safe. Follow your company's rules on student call offs.
Also avoid student friend request on Facebook. They don't need to see your vacation pics from last summer or your favorite recipe for chili. Avoid following them on Tic Toc or Instagram as well. Use some common sense. Don't give even a hint of appropriateness with a student.
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