The office is a place that keeps our school under control. In that crew, there is Ms. Nunez, who does more than most students know. Her job description is not the only interesting thing about her. Here’s what she said when asked about an average day in her life working in the office.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
What is your job title?
I am a school secretary and what I do is the payroll which has to do with time and attendance for all staff that work at Pace High School. I make sure all the classrooms are covered with a teacher, whether this may be a substitute teacher or a teacher with our school, and then they cover their classes.
I’m also secretary to the principal, so I kind of give him a calendar of things to do. Of course these are things he knows he needs to do. I fill things in for him so he can be a bit more organized.
How long have you been working here?
I’ve been working here since 2007.
Do you think students know about your job? Why or why not?
I don’t think students know about my job because the majority of the job that I do doesn’t involve the students. But, I do know some of the students attend Pace University and take those courses. They are aware of that part of my job. They know I can assist with anything they need in the office I can assist because I’m always attentive.
Why did you choose this job?
I started working with the New York City DOE while I was in high school through a program called Co-op. I was able to work in the district office and see a few positions. I thought about becoming a teacher but I didn’t think that was what I really wanted to do. And I got that information because I was able to witness teachers coming in, applying to become teachers, their licenses and that whole process. I wasn’t sure I wanted to do that, but I did learn about becoming a school secretary, and that’s something I had more opportunity to grab at that moment. And that’s what I applied for. I’ve been a school secretary ever since.
