Instructional Assistant - Hiring Now

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, we make it easier for educators to find roles that truly fit. We connect you with schools that match your experience, preferences, and goals, so you can focus on teaching, not job searching. By partnering closely with schools and districts, we create better matches, offer fair pay, and support you throughout your journey, helping you build a career that works for you.

Join us as a Classroom Aide and make a tangible difference every day by providing the crucial support that helps create a nurturing, organized, and effective learning setting for young minds to flourish.

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
• Work with individuals and/or small groups when activities and assignments are presented
• Provide support for students in crisis
• Utilize a variety of learning methods to enhance the student's learning experiences and support them as needed
• Celebrate the students you’re working with
• Support students with elements of personal care (feeding, toileting, etc.)

Required Qualifications:

• 60 credits, Associates Degree, obtained a passing score on an appropriate ADE assessment, or ParaPro/Praxis Exam
• 1+ years experience working with children with special needs
• 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:

• Educator License with Stipulations (ELS) with a Paraprofessional (PARA) endorsement from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)
• Previous experience working in special education
• Behavioral Technician or PCA experience
• Crisis prevention (CPI) training
• CPR certification

Salary
Pay: $20 per hour, paid weekly
Schedule: Minimum two days throughout 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.

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

Ref: #CHITAZA-Sep26