Instructional Assistant

Limited Positions - Apply Now & Secure Your Classroom Role for the 2026-2027 School Year! Start the 2026–2027 school year strong. We're hiring now! Zen Educate is looking for Para Educators. If you're passionate about supporting students with special needs and want a full-time role where you can make a real impact, this could be your next step. Don’t wait, connect with a recruiter today and see how we can help you find the perfect role. About Zen Educate At Zen Educate, our mission is simple: to support schools by connecting them with dedicated, high-quality education professionals. We believe in making the hiring process easier for educators and creating better outcomes for students. When you join Zen, you’re not just taking an assignment, you’re joining an educator-first platform that supports you every step of the way. We are actively hiring to support students with specialized academic, social, and physical needs In this supportive School Aide position, your responsibilities will include preparing learning tools, supervising students during activities and transitions, and assisting the teacher in meeting the needs of all learners. Key Responsibilities - Assist licensed staff in the classroom by helping implement academic adaptations and individualized education plans (IEPs). - Work with students individually or in small groups to support their self-care and social/behavioral needs. - Maintain a classroom environment that is safe and conducive to learning. - Provide timely support for students in crisis situations. - Utilize a variety of learning methods to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. Required Qualifications - Hold a high school diploma or GED - 6+ months experience supporting people with special needs (in any capacity), ideally child-focused experience - Applicants must have professional proficiency in English - Applicants must be open to support students with personal care - US Work Authorization - Zen Educate cannot provide sponsorship for an employment visa or relocation assistance at this time Physical Requirements: - Comfortable being on your feet and moving around the classroom throughout the day - Able to lift up to 20 lbs and safely assist students when needed (kneeling, bending, quick response) - Additional physical requirements may be requested during your application process Preferred Qualifications / Experience - Valid Educational Aide Permit - Experience working in special education, particularly with moderate to severe behaviors - Experience with personal care tasks, like diapering and toileting - Experience handling unexpected behaviour, such as hitting and biting - Comfortable with eloping - Experience with behaviour strategies and methodologies - Experience in collecting data and following BI plan - Certification in CPR and First Aid Salary Pay: $16 - $19 per hour, paid weekly. Schedule: Monday to Friday, within hours of 7:30 am - 3:00/4:30 pm (no weekend work). Benefits and other offerings - Weekly pay by direct deposit, with paper check available on request - Professional development, including in-app training, paid role-specific certifications where applicable, and additional development opportunities depending on role and location - Paid sick leave in accordance with applicable state and local law - Medical, dental, and vision insurance available when eligibility requirements are met, which includes working more than 1,560 hours in a 12 month period. - 401(k) retirement plan with no employer match available when eligibility requirements are met, which includes working more than 1,000 hours in a 12 month period or more than 500 hours/year in a 24 month period. Ready to shape the future of learning? Apply today and help every student reach their full potential Ref: #COLTAZA-Oct26 --s-p-m1-- Powered by SonicJobs (an advertiser on Monster). By applying, you consent to share your data with SonicJobs and the employer. Monster or SonicJobs does not store or use your application data beyond facilitating the application. See Zen Educate Terms & Conditions at and Privacy Policy at and SonicJobs Privacy Policy at and Terms of Use at