Ms. Valarie D. Roberts

Bus Aide/Monitor, Hollywood

I am honored and privileged to uphold the safety and well-being of tribal children and other passengers that I get to interact with on a daily basis. I genuinely take my job very seriously as I know I am transporting “precious cargo”.  I want parents and guardians to feel comfortable knowing that their children are safe, as they travel to and from school.  Our students carry positive energy; so our bus rides are filled with adventure and unpredictable fun.  However, sometimes the job isn’t easy due to kids’ impetuous nature, we sometimes get yelled at, ignored, and occasionally I have to get tough when managing disruptive kids (but that’s not too often!). 

I know that being a school bus aide/monitor may not be the most glamorous job, but it provides flexible hours, nice vacation time, and the chance to interact with great kids. I love getting the chance to be a part of the children’s lives and watching them grow and develop into young, responsible adults.  I am also a strong advocate of Education and try to instill that quotation from Kofi Annan “Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family”. 

For the past six years, I have been a proud member of the Foster and Adoptive Parents Association.  As the proud mother of four, I stand by the African Proverb, "It takes a Village to raise a Child." Family is so important to me, and I constantly tell my family how proud I am of them, what I love about them, and how they have made my life so fulfilling.  I have also made it my personal goal to make sure that I also provide words of encouragement and a “daily dose of happiness” to each child as they board and exit the Bus.  Everyone gets a greeting, eye contact and meaningful, caring conversation.  I want to be that “bright spot” for everyone that I encounter each day!  

Before obtaining my present position with the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Education Department, I served the community of Miami-Dade County for 24 years as a Professional Bus Operator with the Miami-Dade Transit System. 

FUN FACTS: My best friend is my little sister. Although we had our challenges growing up, we are each other’s greatest supporter. 

The longest and biggest vehicle I have operated was a 60 ft. articulator bus and FYI; I am only 4’ 11”. I may be tiny, but I am MIGHTY! 

Contact Ms. Valarie D. Roberts

Phone: (954) 989-6840