Teachers' Secretary

Howard County Public School System; Northfield (MN); On-site; USD 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Howard County Public School System in Maryland seeks an Elementary Teacher's Secretary to support school operations and front office functions. The role acts as the primary contact for families and visitors, ensuring a welcoming environment and secure front desk management.

The position supervises student data, including enrollment and attendance, and maintains confidential records per federal and local mandates.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent; foreign credentials evaluated as US diploma if applicable.
• Experience: One year of general administrative or clerical experience; associate degree may substitute for up to two years.
• Preferred: Experience with Microsoft Office database applications; experience in a school setting.

Responsibilities

• Front Office Coverage: serve as primary point of contact; manage visitor check-ins and secure entrances; handle high-volume calls and messages; provide clerical support to teachers and administrators.
• Enrollment, registration & withdrawal: oversee procedures for enrollment, transfers, and withdrawals; verify residency per policies.
• Student Records: maintain confidentiality; enter and verify data in SIS; ensure FERPA compliance and proper record retention.
• Attendance Tracking: collect daily attendance; process absences and tardies; generate attendance reports and verify supporting notes.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Communication skills

Data entry

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate Degree preferred

Tools

Student Information System (SIS)

Job description

ABOUT US

The Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is one of the leading school systems in Maryland and the nation. To learn more about us and our 2024 -2029 Strategic Plan , please visit our website and our careers page . Join our award-winning workforce and make a difference in the lives of our students!

DESCRIPTION

Under the direction of the principal, the Elementary Teacher's Secretary serves as a vital anchor for the school community, managing many essential operations and administrative functions. This position acts as the primary point of contact for families and visitors, ensuring a secure and welcoming atmosphere through professional communication and diligent front office management. Beyond daily reception, the role is responsible for the meticulous oversight of student data, including enrollment, attendance, and the maintenance of confidential records in strict compliance with federal and local mandates. In addition, this position provides clerical support to staff and families for Section 504 meetings. This role directly aligns with the HCPSS Strategic Call to Action by fostering a safe, inclusive environment and ensuring organizational efficiency, which allows the school to focus on the mission of cultivating a vibrant learning community where every student thrives. This staff person also may serve as a back up for other support staff during non-peak times.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:
High school diploma or equivalent (must scan and upload to the online application at the time of submission). Foreign credentials must be evaluated as U.S. High School diploma or above by an MSDE approved organization. For a list of approved vendors, please click here

Experience:
One year of general administrative or clerical experience. An Associate Degree or the successful completion of 60 credit hours from an accredited college or university may be substituted for up to two (2) years of the required experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience with Microsoft Office database applications. Experience working in a school setting.

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

The below list is a summary of the functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties.

• Front Office Coverage: Reception & Security: Serve as the primary point of contact for the school community; manage visitor check-ins and monitor main entrances to ensure a secure environment. Communication Management: Handle high-volume phone calls and inquiries from families and staff with professionalism and timely message routing. Operational Support: Provide essential clerical and administrative assistance to teachers and administrators to facilitate smooth daily school operations.
• Enrollment, registration & withdrawal of students: Executes and coordinates all procedures for the registration, enrollment, transfer, and withdrawal of elementary school students according to established local and state procedures. Verifies student residency and eligibility for enrollment in collaboration with the PPW in strict accordance with county policies and guidelines. Collaborates with relevant school staff such as the school counselor on enrollments and withdrawals.
• Student Records: Upholds the confidentiality and integrity of all student information incompliance with FERPA, county, state, and federal laws, as well as HCPSS policies. Follows all guidelines for the retention and disposal of student cumulative and attendance records as directed by the HCPSS Student Records Manual. Accurately enters, manages, and verifies student data within the Student Information System to include grades and attendance as needed.
• Attendance Tracking & Record Keeping: Manages, collects, and processes daily student attendance records, including absences, tardies, and early dismissals, accurately entering data into the student information system (SIS). Reviews and verifies all documentation (notes, emails, medical notes) submitted to excuse student absences, determining if they meet established criteria. Generates and distributes daily and other periodic attendance reports (e.g., tardy reports, month