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School Bus Monitor

First Student · Westmont, IL · Part time

Posted Sep 15, 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 Monitor/Aide in Burr Ridge, IL $500 Sign-On Bonus!! At First Student, our Monitors/Aides are a constant reflection of our company’s commitment to safety and customer service. The Monitor/Aide is responsible for providing operational oversight, day-to-day management, and assists drivers in safe operation of routes. At First Student, we are proud to offer: • $17.25/HR Starting Wage: Depending on Experience • Tremendous Career Advancement Opportunities due to a strong presence across North America • Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits plus 401K Retirement Savings Plans (Benefits offered may vary by location or CBA) • Positive and rewarding work environment Join First Student and get more than a paycheck. We offer perks and incentives designed to support you on and off the job, from early wage access and loyalty rewards to employee discounts, recognition programs, growth opportunities, and appreciation events. If you’re ready to be part of a team that Fosters Teamwork and makes a real difference every day, First Student is the place to be. Monitor/Aide Responsibilities: • Knows the route and remains alert to monitor the welfare of passengers while in route • Communicates behavior problems and conditions of various stops with the driver • Assists in pre-trip and post-trip inspections of the bus • Assists students in the loading and unloading process • Cooperates and communicates with school personnel, students, and parents • Attends all safety and training meetings • Conducts emergency evacuation from the bus, including use of exiting by emergency door • Opens and closes service doors and moves up and down steps multiple times daily • Cleans the inside of the bus • Assists driver when necessary to safely direct the vehicle backwards Monitor/Aide Required Experience and Skills: • Good verbal communication skills • Attention to detail • Early morning availability • Judgement/problem solving skills • Ability to manage high degrees of stress First Student’s commitment to putting our customers first, dedication to safety, and an ambition to deliver dependable transportation makes for a working environment you’ll love. As a huge company with 120,000 staff and over 2.5 billion customers worldwide, you’ll also enjoy security, a brilliant future, and excellent training. Apply today to join our team! 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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