Working life of a bus monitor... The good, the bad, and the extremey ugly views. - Bus Monitor First Student Employee Review

3.0
Jul 25, 2012
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Getting to meet very loving, and charming children. Making sure those kids know how to be safe, and remain so on a bus that's in motion. Working with a driver that is willing to help if situations get too rough for the monitor. Get to only work four hours a day, and get a decent salary with it. Work the same days, and get the same days off as the kids; weekends, holidays, snow days, and even school cancellations. Get to be your goofy self; little kids don't care what you look like, OR if you act like a total dork (middle school, and high school are totally different). Get to work either alone OR in a two-man team. And if you do well, people give you the respect you deserve.

Cons

The children's attitudes; some days are good the others TOTALLY down the tubes. The children will try to get you fired IF they don't like you. Cannot touch child EVER (only time is to help a disabled child get onto and off the bus). You cannot defend yourself if a child attacks you (only defense you have is blocking your face, CANNOT even grasp their hands/wrists to stop them). CANNOT pull fighting children apart, have to stand in between and get hit yourself. Majority of time, have to stand; which can be hazardous when other drivers on road decide to do something "stupid" while driving. Having to clean the bus entirely again AFTER you just cleaned it that day (some days can't be helped; like during the winter, and early spring). Argumental parents; they get into your face, just because their kid(s) is telling them one thing and you another. Even though we have a seniority system at our location, favoritism runs the offices mostly (so in order to even get extra runs or anything, you have to be one of the manager's favorites). When you call in sick, everyone gets onto your case and curse your name, and give you a hard time when you return to work. Rumors and stories spread like wildfires; especially about people who're NOT the manager's favorites.

Explore other reviews about First Student

5.0
Dec 13, 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Great part-time job for retired people.

Cons

Sometimes noisy and misbehaving children.

4.0
Jun 14, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Largest employer in the industry. Positive structural changes Investment in infrastructure

Cons

Frequently behind the wheel of a bus which limits value at position Very long hours due to need to complete work while spending significant portion of the day filling in on open routes

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All