PUBLISHER’S CORNER
I Need More Workforce Development!
Written by Tony Corpin |
tony@stnonline.com I
n today’s evolving landscape of school transportation, workforce development stands out as a crucial need. As we navigate the complexities of ensuring safe and efficient transportation for students, the demand for
skilled professionals in this field is more pronounced than ever before. Attending state, regional and national school transportation conferences emerges not just as an option but as a necessity for professionals who seek to enhance their expertise and contribute to better outcomes for stu- dents and school transportation operation. Many industry professionals I’ve spoken with are
hungry for more workforce development. The impor- tance of attending these conferences lies in the wealth of opportunities they offer for professional growth and net- working. Educational sessions, led by industry experts, delve into the latest trends and best practices, equipping attendees with valuable insights to improve their skills and knowledge. The investment in attending these events not only benefits individuals but also enhances the capabilities of entire transportation operations, lead- ing to safer and more efficient services for students. Keynote speakers and panel discussions provide inspi-
ration and motivation, fostering a growth mindset among attendees. Personal stories and experiences shared by successful professionals serve as guiding lights, em- powering individuals to pursue their goals with renewed confidence. Moreover, conferences like the STN EXPO + Green Bus Summit and leadership training programs such as the Transportation Director Summit offer plat- forms to connect with like-minded peers, explore new technologies, and forge valuable partnerships. Teresa Fleming, deputy chief operations officer at the School District of Philadelphia and the 2023 STN Trans- portation Director of the Year, attests to the immense value derived from attending such conferences. She emphasizes the importance of networking, knowledge exchange and the opportunity to explore innovative solutions showcased at trade shows. Fleming under- scores the tangible benefits that conferences bring to school transportation professionals. “I’m planning to bring more team members to STN EXPO in Reno this year. And I am looking forward to networking with other innovative school transportation professionals. Also, I love seeing all the new products at the trade show,” Fleming told me. Networking events and trade shows facilitate inter-
50 School Transportation News • APRIL 2024
actions with peers, suppliers and industry stakeholders, fostering collaborations that address pressing chal- lenges. Whether it’s exploring advancements in green energy, safety measures or special needs transportation, conferences provide a holistic platform to stay informed and connected. The top reasons cited by attendees for participating
in conferences—networking and professional develop- ment—underscore their significance in driving industry progress. By attending these events, professionals can not only expand their knowledge base but also broaden their professional network, opening doors to new oppor- tunities and collaborations. As you look ahead, I want to personally invite you to reg-
ister for STN EXPO EAST in Indianapolis at “The Crossroads of America,” on May 31–June 4, or STN EXPO WEST in Reno, Nevada, the “Biggest Little City in the World,” on July 12-17. You can learn more about the unparalleled oppor- tunities for school transportation professionals to engage, learn and grow. By embracing these opportunities for development, individuals and organizations alike can pave the way for a brighter and more efficient future in school transportation. Learn more at
stnexpo.com. Networking events and trade shows are also important
for people that are looking to expand their profession- al network and stay up to date on the latest trends and technology. The opportunity to meet with peers, sup- pliers school bus dealers and OEMs has a big value for conference attendees. The trade show can also act as a place to conduct market research to find the best prod- ucts and partners for your school district or organization needs to address key challenges around operations, safe- ty, security, driver training, green energy, maintenance routing and special needs. Attending conferences and leadership training pro- grams can offer numerous benefits to individuals and organizations. The opportunity to gain new knowledge and skills, network with other professionals, and gain inspiration and motivation from successful speakers. If you are an individual looking to grow professionally at- tending conferences and trade shows can be a valuable investment in your future success. ●
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