CAROL D. WHEELER

Student Transportation Specialist

I am a dedicated Education Department employee that is very passionate about my current role and particularly interested in growing within the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Education Department.  I am blessed to have been working in such a wonderful community since 2011, a little over eleven years (and yes, I still love my job!) as the school bus driver for the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Education Department.  Many of us crave to be able to spend time with children because interacting with children brings a lot of joy into their lives, but I get to experience that on a daily basis!  I cannot imagine any other profession that would bring me such pleasure.  In fact, I have always enjoyed and appreciated working with school-aged children; as I consider it a pleasure and privilege to be a part of promoting the success of our youth, who will be our future leaders of tomorrow. 

My normal day begins at around 6:00 a.m., which means I have to rise between 4:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. every morning to begin the school bus route.  Parents and guardians know they can always count on me to show up every day at the exact same time to pick up my students from their homes; without fail. However, what sets my job apart from just being an ordinary “bus driver” position, is that I strive to provide a safe environment and take immense pleasure in being able to interact with each child through kind and respectful interactions, as they begin their journey of furthering their educational pursuits. I truly appreciate each and every student who passes through the doors of the bus.  My goal is to make every child that I transport feel valued, seen and heard.  In fact, I love engaging with my students (passengers) to make unique and innovative connections.  I also pride myself on building relationships with each student and try to promote an encouraging rapport with each child’s parent and/or guardian; as I feel my role is a vital component in helping the families to feel at ease as I transport their “precious cargo” to and from school each day.  I truly value my role in supporting Moms and Dads in their parenting journeys.

I have transported generations of families throughout the years, but this is a job that I love and plan to keep as long as I can.  I am thankful to have such a fulfilling and rewarding career and I am committed to supporting our tribal students and families with all their school bus transportation needs.  After all, my goal is to ensure each student has a happy and enjoyable school year while helping him/her get to school on time and safely, so that they can achieve their academic best! 

Hobbies: Outside of work, Carol renews her mental energy while listening to all kinds of music and dancing, as well as relaxing at the beach (swimming) and spending time with friends and family.  Carol played the flute in Middle School and “marched” for four (4) years for the McArthur Mustangs – Go Mustangs!

Favorite Quote: “I don't know what the future may hold, but I know who holds the future.”  Ralph Abernathy

Contact Carol D. Wheeler

Phone: (954) 989-6840