At Dean Transportation, we’ve always known our drivers are among the best in the nation. Now, it’s official! Betty Nelson, a dedicated Dean Transportation driver from west Michigan, has achieved the ultimate honor, placing first in the Conventional Bus (Type C) category at the 2025 School Bus Driver International Safety Competition.
Hosted by the National School Transportation Association, the competition brings together the elite school bus drivers from across the country. Nelson’s outstanding performance, where she outscored the next competitor by more than 40 points, truly set her apart.
“We are incredibly proud to celebrate Betty’s outstanding accomplishment,” said Patrick Dean, president of Dean Transportation. “Betty’s exceptional driving skill, deep knowledge and unwavering focus on student safety earned her this top honor. She is a true professional who sets the bar for excellence and is a passionate advocate for school bus rodeo competitions. Betty believes these events are powerful platforms for transportation professionals to demonstrate the skill, care and expertise they bring to their work every single day.”
A Career Driven by Passion and Purpose
Nelson’s journey in school transportation began in April 2003. Over two decades, she has served in various capacities, from a substitute driver to a trainer, and even as a transportation director. After a brief retirement at the end of 2023, Nelson found herself “going stir crazy” and returned to the road, joining the Dean Transportation team in early 2024. She quickly found her niche driving middle and high school students, particularly those with special needs, through the Kent Intermediate School District for Forest Hills Public Schools and Lowell Area Schools.
“I love driving those kids and creating connections with them and their families,” she said.
The Rodeo Enthusiast: Driving Safety Forward
Nelson’s passion extends far beyond her daily routes; she’s a fierce advocate for school bus rodeos. Her involvement began in 2008, and she has consistently qualified for state competitions, ultimately reaching the national stage three times.
“The competition really helps you fine-tune those safety fundamentals like mirror usage, proper signals and railroad crossings,” she said. “It hammers home everything we learned in training and makes us all safer drivers.”
What makes Nelson truly exceptional is her dedication to mentoring others. She actively coaches drivers from various districts, helping them master challenging maneuvers like parallel parking and guiding them through the written knowledge tests.
“It’s so fun teaching them how to do these events and use the reference points,” she said. “The repetition with helping other drivers find reference points … that all helps me too.”
She even listens to the CDL manual as an audiobook and creates flashcards for her mentees, embodying her commitment to raising the bar for everyone.
The Thrill of Victory
Reflecting on her win, Nelson still finds it hard to believe.
“It’s an honor to be recognized [by] placing first, but I still keep saying, ‘Did I really do that?’”
She prepared by focusing on events where she felt she could improve, studying diligently and practicing on courses she helped set up.
The Unsung Heroes of the Road
Nelson wants the public to truly understand the vital role school bus drivers play.
“So many people don’t realize what a big job it is,” she said.
She highlighted the extensive training and continuous education drivers undergo, and the unique, rewarding relationships built with students.
“It’s an extremely rewarding job,” she said. “Getting to know the kids, seeing them go from kindergarten to high school — it’s so neat. Who doesn’t remember their favorite bus driver?”
News Coverage
Michigan bus driver Betty Nelson crowned ‘conventional bus’ world champ, WZZM, Grand Rapids
Mid-Michigan-based bus driver named one of the country’s safest bus drivers, WILX, Lansing
NSTA Announces 2025 School Bus Driver International Safety Competition Winners, School Bus Fleet
Dean Transportation driver wins top honors at international safety competition, Bus & Motorcoach News
