As a School Secretary, your role is vital to ensuring the smooth operation of a school. You'll assist with administrative tasks, including answering phone calls, greeting visitors, and coordinating activities. You'll also be responsible for organizing meetings, taking minutes, and drafting letters or emails.
Another important aspect of the School Secretary job description is maintaining records and databases. You'll need to be detail-oriented and skilled in data entry so that records are accurate and up-to-date. Additionally, you'll be responsible for processing invoices and payments, as well as handling petty cash.
To be successful in this role, you must possess excellent communication, organization, and time management skills. You must also be proficient in using technology and have strong problem-solving abilities. A School Secretary is often the first point of contact between the school and the public, so a friendly and professional demeanor is crucial.
Overall, the School Secretary job description entails providing administrative support to the school's staff, students, and families. It's a challenging and rewarding career in the education industry, with ample opportunities for growth and advancement.
To get a job as a school secretary, you usually need a high school diploma, and some administrative or secretarial experience is also helpful. Knowing how to use office software like Microsoft Word and Excel is important, too. Many schools prefer candidates who have completed some college coursework or earned an associate degree, especially in a field like business or education. You should be good at organizing paperwork, answering phones and emails, and working with teachers and school staff. Because school secretaries are often the first point of contact for students and parents, it's also important to be friendly, polite, and able to communicate well.
School Secretary salary range in the Education industry varies according to the level of experience and location. In the United States, the median annual salary for a school secretary is approximately $39,000, according to Salary.com. This can vary between $35,000-$43,000 depending on location, with higher salaries in larger cities.
In the United Kingdom, the annual salary for school administrative staff starts at £18,000 ($24,000), with higher wages depending on experience and location, and can be up to £24,000 ($32,000) per year.
In Canada, school secretaries can earn between C$30,000 ($24,000) to C$50,000 ($40,000) annually depending on experience, and location.
Sources:
https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/school-secretary-salary
https://www.payscale.com/research/UK/Job=SchoolSecretary/HourlyRate
https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/wages-occupation/5188/ca
The career outlook for school secretaries in the education industry over the next 5 years is predicted to remain steady. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of secretaries and administrative assistants, including school secretaries, is projected to show little or no change from 2019 to 2029.
However, there are specific areas within education where there may be potential growth for school secretaries. As schools continue to embrace technology, secretaries with knowledge and skills in software programs, data management, and website maintenance may have an advantage in the job market. Additionally, schools in growing communities may require additional support staff, including school secretaries.
Overall, while the employment rate for school secretaries may not significantly increase over the next 5 years, those with a diverse skill set and experience may find expanding opportunities within the education industry.
Q: What does a School Secretary do?
A: A School Secretary performs various administrative duties, such as answering phone calls, managing files and records, assisting teachers and students, and handling financial transactions.
Q: What are the qualifications to become a School Secretary?
A: The basic requirement is a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Some employers may require additional training or previous experience in administrative work.
Q: What skills are necessary for a School Secretary?
A: Necessary skills include excellent communication, organization, computer and typing skills, attention to detail, patience, and ability to multitask.
Q: What are the working hours of a School Secretary?
A: Working hours typically coincide with school hours, which are from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, Monday through Friday. However, some work may be required outside of these hours, such as during school events or parent-teacher meetings.
Q: What is the career growth potential for a School Secretary?
A: Career growth opportunities include advancement to positions with greater responsibility, such as School Administrator or Administrative Assistant. Additional education or certification may be necessary for advancement.
