Instructional Assistant/Bus Driver - ISS

Pender County Schools; Hampstead (MD); On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Pender County Schools is looking for an Instructional Assistant / Bus Driver to support teachers and ensure student safety on school buses. This position requires at least five years of experience working with children, and a valid North Carolina Driver's License with a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) endorsement.

Key responsibilities include driving a school bus, assisting with instructional duties, and maintaining student safety. The role is demanding, requiring effective communication, understanding of children's developmental stages, and collaboration with school personnel.

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years experience working with children or in a related field.
• Ability to pass the WorkKeys Assessments in reading, writing, and mathematics.

Responsibilities

• Provide support to teachers in instructing students.
• Drive a school bus as assigned, ensuring safety regulations are followed.
• Assist the teacher by providing individualized instruction.

Skills

Effective methods of working with children

Core subjects knowledge

Safety regulations familiarity

Confidentiality and data recording

Technology proficiency for instruction

Effective communication

Education

High School Diploma

Associate's degree or 48 semester hours

Tools

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

Driver's Pocket Card

Job description

Pender County Schools

Instructional Assistant / Bus Driver / ISS

2026/2027 School Year

Start Date: 8/13/2026

Title

Instructional Assistant / Bus Driver / ISS

Primary Function

To provide support to teachers in the instruction of students and ensure the safety and care of students boarding, riding, and departing school buses.

Qualifications

Licensing / Certification

• Valid North Carolina Driver's License.
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with passenger school bus endorsement and current Driver's Pocket Card.

Education

• High School Diploma with the ability to pass the WorkKeys Assessments in reading, writing, and mathematics (required).
• Associate's degree or 48 semester hours of college credit (preferred).

Experience

• At least five (5) years of successful experience working with children or in a related field.
• Any combination of education and experience that demonstrates possession of the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Essential Functions

• Drive a school bus as assigned, ensuring adherence to safety regulations and traffic laws.
• Keep the bus clean and free of debris to prevent safety hazards.
• Discharge students at authorized school or bus stop locations.
• Report all accidents to the Transportation Department.
• Assist the teacher of record by providing individualized and/or group instruction.
• Monitor and keep students on task with assigned work.
• Prepare and distribute instructional materials as directed by the teacher.
• Supervise students in various settings, promoting citizenship, social skills, and self-esteem.
• Perform clerical duties, administer routine first aid, and report discipline problems to the teacher and principal.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of effective methods of working with children and their developmental stages.
• Working knowledge of core subjects at assigned grade levels.
• Familiarity with safety regulations, standards for school buses, and traffic laws.
• Skill in maintaining confidentiality and recording data accurately.
• Ability to consistently apply recognition, reward, and consequences.
• Proficiency with technology to support instruction.
• Ability to operate a school bus and communicate effectively with parents, students, and school personnel.

Reports To

Principal

Physical Demands

The employee is regularly required to sit, stand, and walk. The employee must frequently reach with hands and arms and regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, occasionally lifting/moving up to 25 pounds. Additional requirements include the ability to climb, stoop, kneel, and operate vehicles of varying capacities.

Work Environment

The employee regularly works in indoor school environments and on school buses. Noise levels may vary from minimal to moderate.

Salary Grade

Teacher Assistant Salary Schedule

Terms of Employment

10 months

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt.

OSHA

The employee is not required to handle hazardous materials such as noise, asbestos, or carcinogens.

ADA

The employer will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.