FOR NINE YEARS, Florida school bus driver Ann England has competed in the national special needs school bus "roadeo," and this year—for the fourth time—England and roadeo partner Ed Lipse took first prize. Every year they've competed, they've placed among the top three teams nationwide.

England drives for the Orange County schools and is a steward for the Orange Education Support Professionals Association, a merged AFT/NEA affiliate.

To earn their stripes, drivers and attendants perform an exacting test of skills in 11 competitions. The pair from Orlando has typically started practicing each year in January or February, getting together every Saturday on their own time to rehearse how they'll respond to various hair-raising scenarios, such as a two-minute bus evacuation or a crisis involving a child with autism. Although they're both drivers, Lipse takes the role of driver and England the job of attendant.

Their latest triumph took place in March during a blinding snowstorm at the contest in Little Rock, Ark.—"and you know we're not used to snow," says England.