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. You'll 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 connects schools with passionate, high-quality educators through a simple and transparent hiring process. We partner with public and charter schools to help them find the right staff, while making it easier for educators to discover roles that fit their skills, preferences, and career goals. Our mission is to create better outcomes for students by supporting the educators who make it happen, through smarter matching, fairer pay, and ongoing support. Our Instructional Assistants are fundamental to a smoothly running classroom, providing practical support that allows teachers to focus on instruction, while also offering encouragement and guidance to students throughout the school day. We are seeking Paraprofessionals to join us supporting students. In this role positively contributing to the lives of children in special education by supporting licensed teachers with academic adaptations, self-care, and social/behavioral needs. 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: Education: 72 quarter college credits or higher, OR one of the following: A high school diploma with a Washington State Paraeducator Certificate A high school diploma with a Passing score on one of 3 Washington approved assessments: * ETS Parapro score of at least 455 * Pearson Paraprofessional assessment score of at least 220 * The Master Teacher Inc Paraeducator Online Training Program grade of at least 65% Language & Authorization: Professional proficiency in English. U.S. Work Authorization (Zen Educate cannot provide sponsorship for an employment visa or relocation assistance). Experience: Prior experience working with children in a structured setting is an asset. Prior experience, personal or professional, assisting people with special needs or disabilities. 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: Previous experience working in special education Behavioral Technician or PCA experience Crisis prevention (CPI) training CPR certification Salary Pay: $25 - $28 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. Don’t wait! Apply and connect with a recruiter today and take the first step toward your future in education. Ref: #SEATAZA-Oct26