Instructional Assistant

Secure Your Role for the 2026–2027 Academic Year!
Step into full-time paraprofessional and classroom aide roles and support students with special needs in real classroom settings. Youll grow your skills, gain meaningful experience, and work where your support matters every day. These roles support students with a range of special education needs, including mild, moderate, and severe needs.
Don’t wait! Connect with a recruiter today and take the first step toward your future in education.

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.
This School Aide role involves working directly with students under teacher supervision, helping them with assignments, reinforcing instructions, and contributing to a positive and orderly classroom atmosphere.
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-Sep26