Instructional Assistant

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 Zen Educate is tackling the educator shortage by helping schools connect with passionate teaching assistants and paraprofessionals. We’re proud to support both schools and staff by creating smart, fast matches that benefit students and communities alike. 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 This Assistant Teacher opportunity is ideal for aspiring educators looking to grow their skills, providing a platform to co-plan, co-teach, and contribute meaningfully to the educational strategies within the classroom. 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-Nov26