NEW YORK STATE SCHOOL BUS DRIVER MASTER INSTRUCTOR

The Master Instructor credential is the highest achievement one can attain from the New York State Education Department for Pupil Transportation Services. This position is one that should be held in the highest regard by other pupil transportation professionals.

Master instructors are individuals who are dedicated to pupil safety in their professional life. They possess leadership, expertise and mastery of the many facets of the pupil transportation industry. They advocate for safety on every level.

Individuals who have achieved this title have a concern for their own professional growth and for the professional development of school bus driver instructors, drivers, monitors and attendants. They willingly accept every opportunity to assist other master instructors and to mentor transportation employees especially school bus driver instructors.

Master instructors are people with determination and drive for professionalism. They lead the transportation industry by example in their professional and private life.

Those who desire to become a Master Instructor candidate must realize the expectations and responsibilities of the position to which they aspire. Candidates should also realize the implications of the statement “to whom much is given; much is required” meaning this title comes with the responsibility of “going above and beyond” in the advocacy for pupil transportation safety.

DUTIES/OBLIGATIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

Candidates for Master Instructor status must fully understand the duties of and obligations expected from a Master Instructor. Currently these include, but are not limited to, the following:

Attend one (1) or two (2) day meeting sessions each year for the purpose of evaluating the program’s goals and objectives and plan for the subsequent year’s training program for all SBDIs, school bus drivers and support staff.

Serve on special committees and attend those committee meetings to address current industry needs.

Offer individual expertise on specific industry issues, projects etc. that develop and are crucial to New York School Transportation Safety.

Conduct (or assist fellow MI in conducting) annual Professional Development Seminars which are required of all SBDI/MI’s and are conducted according to NYS Education Department standards.

Train and evaluate prospective SBDI candidates according to NYS Education Department standards.

Prepare and present workshops at the annual New York Association for Pupil Transportation conference and School Bus Contractor’s Association conference.

Assist with the development of “local” SBDI chapters and participate in local chapter meetings with the goal of facilitating the development of SBDIs (and thus school bus drivers, monitors and attendants) through learning sessions, experiences, meetings, etc.

Help all SBDIs, especially new SBDIs, to meet the duties and obligations of an SBDI.

Share information and knowledge about school bus news, ideas and programs with the State Education Department, other MI and SBDIs and all others who are interested in school transportation safety.