School bus drivers have one
primary responsibility: getting students to and from school
safely. Disruptive
conflicts can interfere with the driver’s attention to traffic
and road conditions. To whatever extent a driver uses skills
to help students manage their
behavior more constructively, and focusing on techniques
that help better relationships, drivers can expect fewer conflicts
to arise.
Further for students who ride the bus, the driver is their first
and last contact with the school system each day. Drivers who
set the tone with strategic conflict resolution skills and principles
contribute substantially to school safety by preventing
problems that otherwise would spill over into the classroom.
But given all the details of driving a multi-ton vehicle, always watching
for other vehicles, pedestrians, potholes and other road hazards,
and various weather conditions, how can a driver use Conflict
Resolution and Mediation?
Our lively and interactive R.I.D.E. training helps drivers learn to apply
findamental peacemaking skills on the fly in the little time they
have. Through discussion, small-group interaction,
and role-plays, participants learn key phrases and simple, practical
techniques that emphasize safety first, re-direct students’ frustration
and anger, de-escalate conflict situations, and offer problem-solving
strategies.
Each participant receives a Rules for Fighting
Fair poster (sized to fit inside the bus) and a handy Reference
Guide that drivers can use for a quick review of key phrases, pointers,
and skills.
The workshop is intended to run two to three hours, accommodating
drivers who have both morning and afternoon routes.
