For Ashley Breuker, driving students to and from school is about much more than transportation. It's about building relationships, creating a positive environment, and making sure every child begins and ends their school day knowing someone cares about them.

Now in her third year with Hamilton Community Schools' Transportation Department, Breuker has found a career she never imagined she would love as much as she does.

"This is by far the best job I've ever had," Breuker said. "These kids have more of an impact on me than I think I have on them. They've taught me so much over the past three years, and that's why I love this job so much."

Breuker has spent much of her time with the district transporting students who receive special education services. Last school year, she drove a special education bus, while this year she has transitioned to driving a district vehicle, helping transport students wherever she is needed.

No matter the vehicle or the route, her approach remains the same: greet every student with a smile, get to know them personally, and make their time together a positive experience.

Building Relationships That Matter

One of Breuker's favorite parts of the job is the opportunity to develop meaningful connections with the students she transports.

With smaller groups of students on her routes, she has been able to learn about their personalities, interests, and individual needs. Those relationships have become one of the most rewarding parts of her work.

"Getting to learn each and every kiddo that I have had, and having smaller amounts of kids on the bus and in the car, I get to know them more on a personal basis," Breuker explained. "That can make a huge impact."

Her compassion and enthusiasm are evident in the way she approaches each day. Breuker consistently goes above and beyond for the students she serves, making an extra effort to help them feel comfortable, supported, and excited to see her.

She also recognizes the important role transportation employees play in a student's daily routine.

"Being the first person they see in the morning and being the last person they see at night, you don't know how their morning went. You don't know how their day at school went. Just greet them with a smile."

It's a simple philosophy, but one that reflects the caring culture Hamilton Community Schools strives to create throughout the district.

A Career She Never Expected

Interestingly, Breuker wasn't always convinced that driving a school bus was something she could see herself doing.

Her mother-in-law, a longtime school bus driver, Diane Breuker and a close family friend who also works for Hamilton Transportation encouraged her to consider the opportunity.

Eventually, she decided to give it a chance.

"My mother-in-law has been a bus driver for many years. Another very close family friend also drives for Hamilton Transportation. They both talked me into it," Breuker recalled. "I went in for an interview, and here I am today, three years later."

What started as an opportunity to try something new has turned into a career she genuinely loves.

"I said for quite a long time, saying there's no way I could ever drive bus," Breuker said. "And now I absolutely love it. It's the best choice I've ever made."

An Important Part of the Hawkeye Family

Every school day, Hamilton Community Schools' transportation employees play an essential role in helping students arrive safely and ready to learn.

For students who receive special education services, familiar faces, positive relationships, and consistent support during transportation can be especially meaningful.

Breuker's dedication is an example of the impact a caring adult can have beyond the classroom. Her willingness to go the extra mile, her contagious positivity, and her genuine love for students make her a valued member of the Hawkeye Family.

At Hamilton Community Schools, preparing students for purpose takes a team of dedicated people, including those who greet students before they ever walk through the school doors.

For Breuker, there's no question that she has found her place on that team.

Interested in Joining Hamilton Transportation? We're Hiring!

Stories like Breuker's are a reminder that becoming a school bus driver can be much more than a job. It's an opportunity to make a lasting difference in students' lives while becoming part of a supportive school community.

Hamilton Community Schools is looking for caring, dependable individuals to join its Transportation Department, and no previous school bus driving experience is necessary!

The district offers paid training to help new drivers earn their Commercial Driver's License (CDL), along with a schedule that can be especially appealing to parents, retirees, and community members looking for meaningful part-time work.

Current advertised bus driver opportunities include:

• Starting pay of $23.46 per hour

• Paid CDL training for applicants who are not yet certified

• Hiring bonuses of up to $1,500 for newly hired certified drivers, or $750 for new drivers who need certification, subject to eligibility and payment requirements

• Morning and afternoon routes, averaging approximately 28 hours per week

• Opportunities for additional trips throughout the school year

Applicants must meet district and state requirements, including driving record and background checks, required training, and applicable licensing and medical qualifications.

For more information about becoming a school bus driver, contact Hamilton Community Schools Transportation Supervisor Kathy Dykema at 269-751-5191 or kdykema@hamiltonschools.us.

Ready to make a difference?

Visit hamiltonschools.schoolspring.com to view current job openings and apply to join the Hawkeye Family.

You never know — like Ashley Breuker, you might just discover the best job you've ever had!