JoDee Shawndell Whalen
Sherman
Summary
Dynamic transportation professional with extensive experience at Durango School District 9-R, excelling in driver training and route optimization. Proven expertise in emergency procedures and compliance with state regulations, fostering a safe environment. Recognized for enhancing team collaboration and morale, while effectively managing passenger needs and ensuring timely student transport.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
School Bus Driver Trainer
Durango School District 9-R
12.2024 - 09.2025
- Small School Bus Trainer ONLY
- Trained drivers on driving skills and safety protocols to maintain high standards of performance According to CDE regulations
- Facilitated ongoing training sessions, enhancing drivers' knowledge of routes and emergency procedures.
- Mentored new drivers, promoting best practices in student transportation.
- Facilitated collaboration among trainers by organizing team meetings to discuss best practices and share experiences.
- Boosted morale with regular recognition of exceptional performance among trainees, fostering a positive learning environment.
Scheduler
Durango School District 9-RS
10.2023 - 09.2025
- Coordinated schedules for staff on routes and Activities ensuring drivers are in compliance with state and federal laws: CDE, FMCSA and IDEA
- Utilized Whiteboard, Viewfinder and Formfinder when needed to perform job duties.
- Collaborated with departments to address scheduling conflicts and ensure resource availability.
- Monitored and adjusted schedules in response to changing priorities and requirements.
- Provided training and support for new team members on scheduling processes and tools.
- Led initiatives to streamline communication between all departments.
- Adapted scheduling methods to fit unique demands of routing
- Facilitated interdepartmental collaboration across the district and external schools
- Maintained a high level of confidentiality
Dispatcher
Durango School District 9-R
10.2023 - 09.2025
- Coordinated daily transportation schedules for students, ensuring on-time arrivals and departures.
- Monitored and responded to real-time communication from drivers and parents, maintaining effective lines of communication.
- Trained district administrators on Viewfinder and worked cohesively to ensure communication and routes remained accurate.
- Trained team members in the use of Wayfinder and helped maintain system
- Built Stopfinder and maintained all communication directly with parents
- Collaborated with school officials to address transportation issues, enhancing overall communication
- Promoted teamwork among colleagues by proactively assisting others when needed.
- Developed Strong professional relationships with colleagues across various departments
Administration Associate
Durango School District 9-R
06.2022 - 09.2025
- Coordinated administrative processes to ensure efficient transportation operations.
- Managed scheduling and communication between staff, students, and parents.
- Developed and maintained filing systems to enhance data retrieval efficiency.
- Attended IEP Meetings throughout the year for new and rolling up students
- Created Red Books for all routes General and SPED
- Trained small vehicle drivers
- Worked in Excel, Word, Windows, Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, Google Workspace, Chrome, Firefox, Mozilla, Outlook, Gmail, Zoom and Teams
- Implemented training sessions for new drivers and monitors
- Served as a resource for employees seeking assistance or information on district policies and procedures, fostering a supportive workplace culture.
- Maintained a high level of confidentiality while handling sensitive documents, ensuring proper storage and disposal of materials when necessary.
- Actively participated in ongoing professional development opportunities to stay current on best practices and Laws
- Assisted in the development of training materials for new hires, contributing to consistent onboarding experiences across teams.
Paraprofessional
Durango School District 9-R
11.2021 - 09.2025
- Supported Drivers in student engagement.
- Assisted in individualized education plans, adapting transportation to meet diverse student needs.
- Monitored student behavior, ensuring a positive environment and use CPI if necessary to ensure student Safety
- Collaborated with educators to identify and address transportation challenges for at-risk and special needs students
- Utilized assistive technology tools, fidgets, sound canceling headphones, harnesses, seatbelt locks on buses to assist students comfort while being transported
- Trained new staff on best practices for supporting special education students effectively.
- Assisted in the implementation of effective behavior management techniques, resulting in a more positive transportation environment.
- Developed strong rapport with students and parents by demonstrating empathy, patience, and understanding during transport
- Managed challenging behaviors using de-escalation techniques to maintain a safe environment for all students involved.
- Gave real time feedback to Parents, Staff and District Officials in order to foster a safe environment while transporting students
Transportation Router
Durango School District 9-R
01.2021 - 09.2025
- Developed optimized transportation routes for efficient student pick-up and drop-off Using Routefinder and Wayfinder
- Coordinated daily schedules aligning with school events and transportation needs ending with Tripfinder. Prior routing was maintained with Google Calendar and emails.
- Analyzed SPED/McKinney Vento/Foster routes daily and adjusted according to needs while maintaining FERPA, IDEA, and FAPE laws.
- Monitored compliance with safety regulations, district and state policies during transit operations.
- Collaborated with drivers to troubleshoot issues and enhance student transport
Small Bus Driver
Durango School District 9-R
12.2020 - 09.2025
- Ensured safe and timely transportation of students to and from school and events.
- Maintained vehicle cleanliness and performed routine inspections to ensure operational safety.
- Communicated effectively with school personnel regarding student needs and bus schedules.
- Monitored student behavior during transit to promote a safe environment.
- Adapted routes as necessary to accommodate traffic conditions or special events.
Education
Foreign Languages Education
Doane College
Crete, NESkills
Working Knowledge in All Transfinder Applications, Frontline, and Infinite Campus
Route building, optimizing and maintaining
Driver training and scheduling
Bus monitor training and scheduling
Activity scheduling
Able to Multi-Task under pressure
Cross department collaboration
Knowledgeable in Special Needs laws and IEP's
Certification
Certifications from CSPTA:
AMF Bruns Wheelchair Trainer
CDE Transporting Students with special needs
Radio 101
Safe-2-Tell
Legal Hot Topics in School Transportation Including:
FERPA, ESSA, IDEA and ADA
The Basics: Transporting students with disabilities
Student Behavior Management
Certified in Foster Care and laws governing foster children/students
Service Animals and Transportation
Languages
Spanish
Limited Working
French
Limited Working
German
Limited Working
Latin
Limited Working
Sign language
Limited Working
Timeline
School Bus Driver Trainer
Durango School District 9-R
12.2024 - 09.2025
Scheduler
Durango School District 9-RS
10.2023 - 09.2025
Dispatcher
Durango School District 9-R
10.2023 - 09.2025
Administration Associate
Durango School District 9-R
06.2022 - 09.2025
Paraprofessional
Durango School District 9-R
11.2021 - 09.2025
Transportation Router
Durango School District 9-R
01.2021 - 09.2025
Small Bus Driver
Durango School District 9-R
12.2020 - 09.2025
Foreign Languages Education
Doane College