Lead Trainer

Westfield Washington Schools Position Description: Lead Trainer – School Bus Transportation Department: Transportation Reports To: Transportation Director or Designated Administrator Employment Status: To be determined by WWS Position Purpose The Lead Trainer – School Bus Transportation oversees the development and delivery of the district's school bus driver training program. This position provides classroom and behind-the-wheel instruction, ensures compliance with applicable federal and Indiana requirements, evaluates driver performance, and promotes consistent safety standards. The Lead Trainer also develops training resources, supports other trainers, and ensures the long-term sustainability of the district's training program. Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Training Program Development

• Develop, implement, and maintain a comprehensive school bus driver training program.
• Create and update training materials, lesson plans, procedures, and evaluation tools.
• Establish consistent training standards for new, substitute, and experienced drivers.
• Evaluate training effectiveness and make improvements based on safety needs and regulatory changes.

2. Regulatory Compliance

• Support compliance with Federal Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) requirements under 49 CFR Part 380.
• Coordinate required theory, range, and behind-the-wheel training.
• Maintain familiarity with Training Provider Registry requirements and coordinate with the district's designated representative.
• Ensure training documentation is accurate and current.
• Maintain knowledge of Indiana school transportation regulations, licensing, endorsements, and driver qualification requirements.

3. Driver Instruction and Evaluation

• Provide classroom instruction on defensive driving, vehicle operation, student management, railroad crossings, loading and unloading, and emergency procedures.
• Conduct or coordinate vehicle inspections, range exercises, and behind-the-wheel instruction.
• Evaluate driver knowledge, skills, and readiness.
• Provide coaching and remedial training when needed.
• Coordinate training schedules for new hires, ongoing development, and required qualifications.

4. Safety and Risk Management

• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and professionalism.
• Review accidents, safety incidents, and driver performance to identify training needs.
• Provide training on emergency response, student evacuation, vehicle inspections, and incident reporting.
• Work with transportation leadership, dispatch, maintenance, and school personnel to address safety concerns.

5. Documentation and Program Accountability

• Maintain accurate training records, driver evaluations, attendance, and compliance documentation.
• Keep training materials organized, updated, and accessible.
• Establish consistent procedures to preserve training resources and institutional knowledge.
• Provide updates to transportation leadership on training progress, compliance, and program effectiveness.

6. Leadership and Trainer Development

• Mentor and support other trainers and experienced drivers involved in instruction.
• Promote consistent instructional practices and evaluation standards.
• Identify professional development and train-the-trainer opportunities.
• Serve as a resource to transportation leadership regarding driver readiness, safety, and training needs.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Experience in school bus transportation, driver instruction, or transportation safety.
• Appropriate driver's license, endorsements, and qualifications for duties performed.
• Knowledge of school bus safety practices and driver qualification requirements.
• Ability to develop and deliver training and evaluate performance.
• Strong communication, organizational, recordkeeping, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading or administering a school bus driver training program.
• Master Trainer certification or comparable instructional credential.
• Train-the-trainer or instructor-development experience.
• Knowledge of ELDT and Training Provider Registry requirements.
• Experience developing training curricula, conducting driver evaluations, and maintaining compliance records.
• Familiarity with Indiana school transportation regulations.

Performance Expectations

Performance will be evaluated based on:

• Quality and consistency of driver instruction.
• Timely completion of driver training and onboarding.
• Accuracy of training and compliance records.
• Driver performance and safety improvements.
• Maintenance of current training materials and procedures.
• Development of additional qualified trainers.
• Responsiveness to transportation leadership and operational needs.

Scope of Authority The Lead Trainer is responsible for assigned training functions within the authority delegated by WWS. The position coordinates with transportation leadership and the designated Training Provider Registry representative regarding applicable compliance responsibilities. Final authority for district policy and personnel decisions remains with appropriate district administrators unless otherwise delegated. Equal Employment Opportunity and Position Disclaimer WWS is an equal opportunity employer and complies with applicable federal and Indiana employment laws. This description outlines the primary responsibilities of the position and is not intended to include every possible duty. Responsibilities may be adjusted based on district needs and applicable requirements. Regulatory Note: Federal and Indiana regulatory references should be reviewed against current requirements before adoption.