What programs and qualifications do I need to be a middle school secretary?

Find out what computer skills and programs you need to be conversant with, for starters.

There must be a job description available somewhere?

Secretaries can be organizers, office managers, resident therapists, paper pushers, gate keepers, and wizards.

You certainly need to be trustworthy, tactful, sensitive to the nuances and rumors that float around any large community (particularly a close-knit one such as a school) and an all-round diplomat.

My ex was the headmaster of a large K-12 school for decades. His secretary was all of the above.

I’m reading the descriptions now, just seem to get additional relevant details to any question when I come here first. For example, you adding in all the personal qualities of your husbands respectable secretary. It’s why I ask here.

I’ve just copied down your descriptions to use in an interview, as I genuinely AM these different things just couldn’t put them yet into those words. :)
With a background in teaching I like to think this gives me an edge however, I have no training or experience in being a secretary. I need to interview with someone who’s a smart risk taker.

Why do you need to interview with someone who’s a smart risk taker? Being a school secretary usually doesn’t involve taking risks.

And be careful not to use my words; think about their larger implications, however.

Stop in and talk informally to one of the secretaries on staff; ask her what the job is like.

I need to interview with someone who will take the risk in hiring me, sorry for the confusion.
Yes, I’ve scheduled a couple “coffees” to see both what the “on paper” requirements are and also the ins and outs of the position. If I want someone to take the risk I’ve got to prove I’m serious about coming in blind and learning it all before Fall of next year.

As a civil servant, it probably won’t be as tough of a job as, for example, being a secretary at IBm or something similar.

There is probably a test you have to pass in order to get the job. The test will have various categories you need to excel in. If you have a degree, you are competent enough to pass the test. You take the test, get on a list and then they will canvass the list to hire from it. If you get hired, you’ll learn on the job and it’s not going to be anything terrible, I can assure you.