Instructional Assistant

Join Our Classroom Team Today, Start the New School Year Strong! Your Opportunity to Make a Difference and Inspire Starts Now. We’re hiring paraprofessionals and classroom support staff for immediate hire to work with students who need specialized support. These roles are focused on SPED classrooms and are ideal for those looking to grow their skills and make a meaningful impact all year long. These roles support students with a range of special education needs, including mild, moderate, and severe needs. Ready to get started? Connect with a recruiter today to feel the difference you can make. About Zen Educate Zen Educate is a technology-driven platform that connects schools with high-quality educators in a faster, more transparent way. We simplify the hiring process by matching educators to roles that align with their skills, preferences, and availability. By reducing friction for schools and increasing access to opportunities for educators, we’re building a more efficient and fair education staffing system. As a Special Education Instructional Assistant, you'll work closely with licensed teachers to support K–12 students with special needs in the classroom. Your role will focus on helping students succeed academically, socially, and emotionally by providing one-on-one and small group assistance tailored to their IEP goals. Responsibilities Assisting licensed staff in the classroom Aid students in meeting their individualized education plan (IEP) Maintain a classroom environment that is conducive to learning and de-escalate behaviors Work with individuals and/or small groups when activities and assignments are presented Provides support for students in crisis Utilize a variety of learning methods to enhance the student's learning experiences and support them as needed. Required Qualifications High school diploma obtained in the United States 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 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 Associate's degree or higher (obtained in the US or US equivalency check completed) Pro-Act training Certification in CPR and First Aid Salary Pay: $22 - $24.50 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 get started? Connect with a recruiter today to feel the difference you can make. Ref: #SDTAZA-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