Instructional Assistant - Hiring Now

Looking for a Rewarding Role for the 2026–2027 School Year?
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. These roles support students with a range of special education needs, including mild, moderate, and severe needs. Please note we are actively recruiting for 2026/2027 roles, starting upon the launch of the new school year. We are reserving roles in a first-come first-serve manner, so apply now to get your foot in the door and secure your next role before the first day of school!

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.

Responsibilities:
- Assisting the classroom teacher to maintain a safe learning environment
- Provide one-on-one or small group assistance to students with special needs, reinforcing lessons and implementing IEPs to achieve goals
- Assist in compiling classroom communications including supporting with differentiation for different children’s needs
- Assist with classroom management, redirecting behavior, and implementing behavior management plans
- Facilitate interactions between students with disabilities and their peers, teaching and modeling strategies for positive interaction
- Use a variety of learning methods to enhance the student learning experiences and support them as needed
- Support with personal care or hygiene as needed, including toileting, feeding, and dressing

Required Qualifications/Experience:
- High school diploma or the equivalent
- Experience working with children with special educational needs
- Experience working with personal care
- Passion for working within special education
- U.S. work authorization (Zen Educate cannot provide sponsorship for an employment visa or relocation assistance at this time)
- Applicants must be professionally proficient in English
- CPR and First Aid (certification will be provided for otherwise qualified candidates)

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
- Past work experience in a school
- CPI Training

Salary
Pay: $25 - $29 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: #SFTAZA-Sep26