Instructional Assistant

Job Description

Find out more about the daily tasks, overall responsibilities, and required experience for this opportunity by scrolling down now.

Secure Your Role for the 2026–2027 School Year!

We're hiring now! Zen Educate is looking for Para Educators. If you're passionate about supporting students with special needs and want a role where you can make a real impact, this could be your next step. Now’s your chance to get set up for success and be ready to create strong bonds and make a lasting impact.

Ready to get started? Connect with a recruiter today to feel the difference you can make.

???? 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.

Step into an Assistant Teacher role and gain valuable teaching experience by actively participating in all aspects of classroom management and instruction, from developing learning materials to guiding student projects.

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 an Associate Degree or higher from a US-accredited college or university OR hold a high school diploma plus a passed ParaPro Assessment, with a qualifying score of at least 456.
• 6+ months experience supporting people with special needs (in any capacity), ideally child-focused experience
• Applicants must have professional proficiency in English
• 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. xuwmhxw

Don't wait, start your journey in education now, connect with a recruiter to find your perfect role.

Ref: #CLETAZA-Oct26