Not All heroes teach, celebrating the backbone of school operations

By Romeo C. Belleca Jr.

Administrative Aide 1

San Rafael National High school

When people think of schools, their minds often jump straight to teachers, classrooms, and students. But behind the scenes, quietly making sure everything runs smoothly, are the non-teaching personnel, particularly Administrative Aides, whose contributions are just as vital to the success of any educational institution. They may not stand in front of a classroom or deliver lectures, but these individuals form the backbone of school operations. Without them, the teaching and learning processes would falter. It’s time we take a closer look at who they are, what they do, and why their work deserves recognition, respect, and support. While teachers often receive the spotlight for their role in shaping young minds, it’s time we shine that light on the people who make it possible for teaching and learning to happen at all. ADAs are the backbone of school operations, and their work deserves recognition and respect.

Administrative Assistants are the heart of the school office. They handle everything from attendance tracking to supply inventory, from staff coordination to learners records. On any given day, an ADAs might be juggling phone calls from concerned parents, coordinating substitute coverage, managing school schedules, ordering materials, distributing memos, and helping a child with a scraped knee, all within the same hour. Their desks are often buried under paperwork and digital requests, but somehow, they keep calm and organized. More importantly, they do so with a personal touch that makes students feel welcome, teachers feel supported, and parents feel heard. When visitors walk into a school, the first face they often see is that of the administrative assistant. A warm greeting from the front desk can shape the way a parent, prospective teacher, or community partner perceives the entire school. ADAs are the front line of school culture.They handle front-office traffic with grace: answering phones, directing calls, checking in guests, and processing paperwork—all while dealing with the unpredictable flow of a busy school day. In emergencies, they act quickly and professionally, ensuring the right people are informed and the situation is handled smoothly. Their people skills are matched only by their multitasking abilities. When a student forgets their lunch, a teacher calls in sick, and a parent needs to reschedule a meeting ,all before 9:00 a.m. ,it’s the ADAs who ensures none of these balls are dropped. Behind every school event, assembly, parent-teacher conference, and staff training session is the administrative assistant. They manage calendars, coordinate logistics, and make sure everyone is informed and in the right place at the right time. They are planners, problem-solvers, and communicators rolled into one.

Many ADAs are also deeply involved in budget tracking (like me) and supply management. They know exactly how many pencils are left, how much toner is in the copier, and how to stretch a limited school budget to meet everyone’s needs. Without them, ordering resources would be chaotic, records would be incomplete, and deadlines would be missed. In many schools, especially those with tight staffing, administrative assistants wear multiple hats. They may serve as the unofficial tech support, nurse, counselor, or event coordinator. Their adaptability is crucial to the success of daily operations.

Teachers depend on administrative assistants for support that goes far beyond clerical work. Need copies made, permission slips tracked, or a parent contact located? The ADAs is the go-to person. Need help navigating district policies or submitting a facilities request They’ve got it covered. Their institutional knowledge built over years of service is invaluable. Principals rely on ADAs as trusted advisors and organizational anchors. While school leaders focus on big-picture planning and educational goals, ADAs manage the constant flow of details that allow leadership to function effectively. Many ADAs serve as the principal’s right hand, keeping them on schedule, informed, and prepared for whatever the day brings.

The work of an ADAs isn’t just administrative—it’s deeply emotional. They comfort anxious learners, listen to stressed-out parents, and support overwhelmed teachers. Their desks often become a safe space where people come not just for information, but for reassurance and understanding. ADAs foster community through their kindness, patience, and professionalism. They know the names of every child, the preferences of every teacher, and the rhythms of every school year. Their relationships build trust, and their presence provides stability in an environment that is often fast-paced and unpredictable.

Despite their critical role, ADAs are frequently overlooked when it comes to recognition and celebration. They work in the background, often with limited resources and compensation that does not reflect the level of responsibility they carry. Yet they continue to show up—early, prepared, and committed. It’s time we change that. Schools should recognize their administrative assistants with the same reverence given to instructional staff. Staff appreciation events, professional development opportunities, and fair compensation are essential ways to show that their work matters, and that they matter.

“Not all heroes teach”—but some do manage a school’s heartbeat from the front desk. They ensure the lights stay on, the bells ring on time, and the people in the building feel seen and supported. Administrative Assistants are the unsung heroes of education. Their work allows others to succeed, and their presence brings calm to chaos. As we continue to celebrate those who make schools successful, let’s remember the people whose names aren’t always called during award ceremonies but whose fingerprints are on every successful school day. They are not just part of the system-they are the system’s foundation. It’s time we see them, thank them, and give them the credit they’ve earned.