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School Bus Monitor

First Student · Normal, IL · Part time

Posted Sep 22, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Why do you want to work as a bus monitor, and what experience do you have with kids?

What they are checking: Whether they genuinely enjoy working with children and understand the patience the role requires.

Tell me about a time you had to stay calm when people around you were upset.

What they are checking: Whether they can keep composure in a loud, emotional setting like a school bus.

This job means being on time for early morning routes every school day. How will you make sure you're reliable?

What they are checking: Whether they can commit to a dependable schedule, since routes cannot run safely without them.

What would you do

Two students start fighting in the back of the bus while it's moving. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they act calmly to separate students and alert the driver without distracting them unsafely.

A student with special needs gets upset and refuses to stay in their seat. How do you help?

What they are checking: Whether they can stay patient and use gentle strategies to keep a vulnerable student safe.

How would you tell the driver about a behavior problem without distracting them while driving?

What they are checking: Whether they know when and how to communicate so the driver stays focused on the road.

A parent at the stop starts complaining to you about another child on the bus. How do you respond?

What they are checking: Whether they stay polite, protect student privacy, and pass concerns to the right person.

About the work

You'll help with pre-trip and post-trip inspections. What do you think you'd be checking for?

What they are checking: Whether they understand safety checks like emergency exits, seats, and making sure no child is left aboard.

How do you help students load and unload safely at a busy stop?

What they are checking: Whether they understand danger zones around the bus and how to guide students through them.

What would you do in an emergency where the bus has to be evacuated?

What they are checking: Whether they take emergency procedures seriously and would follow their training under stress.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at First Student from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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The full job description

As published by First Student.

Now Hiring Part Time School Bus Monitor for Normal, IL As a First Student Part Time School Bus Monitor you will play a vital role in your community and the lives of the students you transport. You will be there at the start of the students’ day with before-school pickup and at the end with an afternoon shift to bring students safely back home. No experience as a school bus monitor is required! We’re proud to train you with our industry-leading technology to help you succeed. Your day will include: • A split shift, which means an early morning before-school pickup and an after-school drop-off with a few free hours in between. • A guaranteed hours, no working nights or weekends unless you want to. • Additional hours gained through trips and charters when available. School Bus Monitor benefits: • $17.70/ hour starting wage, based on School Bus Monitor experience. • Medical, Dental, & Vision Benefits plus 401k Retirement Savings Plans (Benefits offered may vary by location or CBA) • No experience necessary. For our Bus Monitor roles, First Student encourages applications from candidates who: • Do not have a college degree or high school diploma. • Have military experience. • Are returning to the workforce or looking for a second job. • Are retirees. • Are looking to jump start a new career. You might be a good fit if you: • Are looking for a part-time schedule. • Enjoy working with students. • Are at least 21 years old. • Have a valid driver’s license for at least 3 years. This position is subject to DOT drug testing as a safety-sensitive employee. DOT Regulation 49 CFR Part 40 does not authorize the use of Schedule I drugs, including marijuana, for any reason. *Conditions apply; see locations for details. Language Requirement This role requires English proficiency. Federal, state, and local requirements, including U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, require training, safety communications, company policies, employment documents, and other job-related communications be conducted in English. First for a reason: At First Student, we are a family of 60,000+ employees who take pride in safely transporting more than 5 million students and passengers to and from their destinations each day! Our family of brands include Transco, Total Transportation, Maggies Paratransit, and GVC II. Our employees are at the forefront of safety and innovation; they create and implement the most advanced training and technology the transportation industry has to offer. In the state of Washington, all technician and driving positions, including but not limited to van drivers and any other position requiring employees to drive a company-owned vehicle, are considered safety-sensitive and are therefore subject to drug and alcohol testing, including cannabis. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status. First is also committed to providing a drug-free workplace. First will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance, and any other fair chance law. Philadelphia’s Fair Criminal Record Screening Standards Ordinance Poster is at this link or upon request https://www.phila.gov/media/20210423160847/Fair-Chance-Hiring-law-poster.pdf .

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