ESP Spotlight: Janice Brown
By Scout Anvar, OEA Communications Staff
Behind the wheel of one Edmond Public School bus sits beloved driver, Janice Brown. Brown is well known across Edmond schools as a compassionate and thoughtful member of the team. Brown was hesitant to begin her career in school transportation at first but was hired on the spot and received transportation training through the district at a career fair for support employees two years ago. She has been “all wheels on the ground” ever since.
Brown is raising her grandson and wants to be involved in schools to support him while staying active in the community. She also fondly remembers a bus driver her daughter had who went above and beyond to be a positive and influential adult in students’ lives. Brown takes every opportunity to show up for her students and to connect with them.
“Sometimes all it takes is someone to acknowledge you, to show you they care,” she remarked.
Brown shows her love for the profession in many ways. Whether it involves talking students through emotional life events, providing treats like Starbucks drinks to encourage them during important testing, or communicating with families when she believes a student may need extra support, Brown exudes kindness for all.
“The responsibilities of a bus driver transcend the steering wheel,” she said.
Brown is the first friendly face a child sees in the morning, and the last one they see before going home. As a transportation professional, she must ensure all 60+ students get to and from school safely while managing their behavior and maintaining road safety between other drivers. She does all of this with a warm, welcoming smile.
“I know every kid on my bus. I know their demeanor, their circumstances, and in many cases, their home lives,” Brown explained.
With every word of encouragement, and every snack provided, Brown leaves a lasting impression on every student she supports.
This story was a part of the 2025 Spring edition of OEA’s Education Focus magazine.
