Tyler ISD is actively seeking to hire 20 school bus drivers as the district relaunches a creative recruitment campaign designed to highlight the powerful role drivers play in students’ lives and turns its own fleet of buses into rolling billboards across the community.
Facing a continued national shortage of school bus drivers — with the Economic Policy Institute reporting school bus driver employment remains 9.5% below 2019 levels — Tyler ISD is taking a proactive approach.
As buses travel to campuses, the Career & Technology Center, field trips, and extracurricular events, community members will see bold messages displayed on the sides, including:
“This Seat Changes Lives.”
“Be the First Smile of the Day.”
“Not Just a Bus Driver. A Route Model.”
“Our bus drivers are often the first smile students see in the morning and the last smile they see at the end of the school day,” said Jennifer Hines, Chief Communications Officer for Tyler ISD. “We wanted this campaign to capture the heart behind the role. When you think about it, this seat truly changes lives. Our drivers help students arrive safely, consistently, and ready to learn.”
Tyler ISD offers competitive hourly pay, a minimum of four hours per day, and has opportunities for additional earnings through field trips and extracurricular travel. Also, the district provides all required CDL (commercial driver’s license) training and testing.
The district encourages retirees looking to stay active, parents who want to work while their children are in school, veterans, college students with flexible schedules, and individuals seeking meaningful part-time employment to consider applying.
“Student safety is always our top priority,” said Superintendent Dr. Marty Crawford. “Reliable transportation plays a direct role in student attendance and academic success. When students have safe, consistent transportation, they are more likely to be in class and ready to learn.”
By turning its buses into rolling recruitment tools, Tyler ISD hopes to meet potential applicants where they already are — in neighborhoods, at stoplights, and throughout the community — and remind them that driving a bus is more than a job. It is an opportunity to make a daily difference.
Community members interested in applying are encouraged to visit tylerisd.org/careers to begin the application process.
For more information, contact Jennifer Hines at Jennifer.Hines@TylerISD.org.