Stillwater Bus Driver Finds Teaching Calling Ahead Of New School Year

Schools will soon unlock their doors for a new school year. A Stillwater bus driver’s passion pushed her to learn something new. 

Bus drivers are in high demand, but Cayla Kilby found her services were needed in a new space. She went back to school herself to make a difference. Kilby believes her drive to help children allows her purpose to click into place.  

“We have to reach the children where they are, and we have to show them that their passions matter,” Kilby said. “I knew I could be more for these kids.”  

Kilby has driven a school bus for Stillwater Public Schools for about a decade. 

“I have been the mentor,” Kilby said. “I have been the teacher.” 

She has her days down to a science, bussing 30-54 people for each route she takes. She follows in her father’s footsteps, who drove a bus when she was a child. Her husband Kyle Kilby fits the family legacy too.  

“He started a year after I did,” Kilby said. 

Kilby loved her students but felt like she could help them grow in other ways. 

“But I have to talk to them through a mirror,” Kilby said. “I don’t want to do that anymore.” 

So, Kilby shifted her focus and opened a new door and a chance to look at her students face to face. 

“Because I know we make a difference,” Kilby said. 

Kilby returned to school at Tulsa Community College and Oklahoma State to earn her degree. Her time has come to lead students toward the careers of their dreams inside her classroom at Stillwater Middle School. Kilby was a NASA OKSG Stellar participant and has learned how to teach STEM classes. 

“Oh yeah it feels real,” Kilby said. “It’s exactly the place I dreamed to be. Anything that you can think of you can create something new.” 

Journeys come with curves and bends. Kilby found her destination because she kept her eyes on the road. 

“If you put your passions first, you'll go far,” Kilby said. 

Kilby will welcome her first class this fall. She said if the district allows her to drive a bus and teach, her students can expect her behind the wheel. Kilby said she will never stop learning. She will start pursuing her Master's degree in the spring.