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School Bus Monitor

First Student · Northbrook, IL · $16.00–$19.00 an hour · Part time

Posted Jun 23, 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 Monitors/Aides - Northbrook, IL As a Part Time School Bus Monitor, you will play a vital role in your community and the lives of the students. You will assist the bus driver in providing an excellent and safe journey for students to and from school. No experience as a School Bus Monitor is required! We will guide you with our industry-leading safety and training programs. Why Join First Student as a Bus Monitor? • Pay Details: Dependent on experience and qualifications • Hourly Rate : $16.00 – $19.00 per hour • Medical, Dental, Vision, & Life insurance or coverage options • 401(k) Retirement Plan with company match. • Part-time, flexible schedule: Split shifts (AM/PM routes), weekdays only; No nights, weekends, holidays, or summers. • Career Advancement Opportunities: Advance into operational, maintenance, management, and leadership roles in over 540 locations across the U.S. & Canada! • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Counseling and support services for personal and work-related issues. • Community Impact: Be a trusted figure for students and families. • Employee Discount Program: Discounts on various products and services. Your day as a School Bus Monitor/Aide will include: • Help students safely board and exit the bus • Assist children with special needs during transport • Ensure students remain seated and follow bus safety rules • Communicate with the driver to maintain a safe, calm ride • Provide care and encouragement to students each day School Bus Monitor/Aide qualifications: • At least 21 years of age • Strong communication and interpersonal skills. • Ability to work flexible split shifts (AM/PM). • Physical ability to assist students and perform emergency procedures. • CPR/First Aid certification preferred. • Friendly, reliable, and patient working with children • Team-oriented with a focus on safety Apply today and become a valued part of the school community! 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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