• Age: 39

• Role: Safety and Training Supervisor

• District: Pearland ISD

• Location: Pearland, TX

Nikki Patterson grew up around school buses. Her mother started driving the school bus when she was in 5^th grade, leading to her being called a “bus barn baby.” Then, they teamed up.

Patterson’s mom became a route coordinator and was joined by her daughter after graduation who became a bus monitor. After taking on new roles, Patterson now oversees the special needs sub-department, the training program, and general education routes.

“I love seeing others be successful,” she said. “I love getting to sub on a route and seeing students I once drove when they were in pre-K now in high school. It makes my heart so happy and full when we get to celebrate a special needs student’s milestones – even more so when we are the ones who have helped them to learn and grow in such a way that they were able to achieve that goal!”

Her days begin and end by greeting the drivers and monitors by name (that part is important to her!), getting them hyped up and excited. Once they’re rolling, she’s on phone and radio duty until taking on assisting drivers find a student management resolution, speaking with campuses and parents about special needs situations, and meeting with trainers. 

She thrives when solving problems and putting out fires. This was reinforced by her former colleague Summer Adams, who wrote that Patterson cultivates amazing and confident lead drivers who take pride in their work and in themselves thanks to her cheerleading. This explains why she was voted "Human Sunshine Award" in 2023 and "Most Inspiring" in 2024 by her peers.

Her awareness of the responsibility of carrying someone else’s previous cargo and their legacy drives her every day.

“Leadership is about setting the tone and boosting morale,” Patterson said. “When our drivers feel heard, supported, valued, and respected, they take pride in their role in our department. Leading by example is the best way to do this.”

Patterson also learned that you must be prepared yet flexible at all times. Come in with Plan A, but don’t be surprised if you end up going with Plan E. “You have to be able to adapt to the new challenges you face — weather conditions, traffic, mechanical issues, student behaviors, staffing shortage, etc. — but staying calm in the chaos is essential. A positive attitude, teamwork, and clear communication can turn chaos into confidence.”

She advises others to ask questions and look at every situation as a learning opportunity. “One of my favorite phrases in this industry is ‘you don’t know what you don’t know until you don’t know it,’” she said. “There are so many situations that we can’t specifically train you on, but we can give you the knowledge and the confidence that you will need to make the right decision when faced with a new challenge.” 

Her last piece of advice is to stay positive and smile. “You never realize the type of impact you have on a person until they tell you later how something so small you did made such a powerful impression on them in the best way.”

What she most wants to see is increased student safety through improvement in both technology and training, as well as more community involvement in the student transportation industry. She’d love to offer a look into what the department does daily behind the scenes so parents have a better understanding of the hard work every employee puts in. 

And, she also hopes to see increased respect and recognition for drivers and monitors. “They are a vital part of our education mission,” she said. “I want them to feel as valued and important as I truly believe they are, and we continue to emphasize that they are more than ‘just a bus driver.’”