A recent Fox 59 article states, “Indiana ranks 50 out of 50 states on teacher salary increases.” With this startling data, wouldn’t it be great if teachers had the opportunity to earn $18,000 on top of their salary? All they have to do is teach and drive the school bus.
A few Carmel Clay Elementary teachers have decided to accept their district’s offer which includes training to learn how to drive the school bus. Is this the answer? Why should teachers have to pick up more responsibilities to earn more compensation?
It is no secret that school districts are struggling to recruit and retain bus drivers. Since kindergarten through the second grade, my sons have had a few bus drivers and a few substitute bus drivers because their previous bus drivers quit. When the district could not find a substitute, my children arrived at school late because they had to wait for another bus driver to finish his or her route and then circle back to complete my children’s bus route.
As an educator, I can tell you it is frustrating when children arrive late to class. It is not a good way for students to start the day, but I also think about the many other responsibilities teachers have. When will teachers get all their tasks completed if they are also driving students to and from school? I worry if picking up this secondary job will increase teacher burnout. Time will tell.
It is hard enough driving my children’s around. I have to focus on the road and any shenanigans they are getting into in the back seat. I can’t imagine driving around a busload of students. If districts are having trouble keeping bus drivers, I doubt if bus monitors are available to help out.