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Instructional Assistant - Hiring Now

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
Part-time
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Compensation

Hourly
Range $22.00 - $24.50
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Work Schedule

Day Shifts
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Benefits

Paid Weekly
401k
Long-term employment opportunities

Job Description

Zen Educate is an innovative education-focused organization dedicated to addressing the educator shortage crisis by connecting schools with passionate and qualified teaching assistants and paraprofessionals. As a company at the forefront of educational support services, Zen Educate prides itself on creating efficient, smart matches between schools and instructional assistants who are committed to fostering an inclusive, supportive, and dynamic learning environment. Recognized for its critical role in strengthening the educational community, Zen Educate serves as a vital bridge by helping schools maintain smooth classroom operations, ensuring that every student, particularly those with special needs, receives the care, guidance, and support necessary for their academic and personal growth.

The current opportunity at Zen Educate is for the role of a Para Educator, a key position that involves working directly within classrooms to assist students with diverse learning and behavioral challenges. This role is specifically geared towards individuals passionate about special education and committed to making a meaningful difference in students' lives. Para Educators play an essential part in enhancing the educational experience by implementing behavioral support plans, providing individualized attention, and supporting teachers in managing classroom dynamics.

This position is targeted for the 2026/2027 school year, with roles beginning at the launch of the new academic year. The hiring process is proactive, with a first-come, first-served policy, encouraging candidates to apply early to secure their position well before school starts. This approach demonstrates Zen Educate's commitment to ensuring schools are well-prepared with the right personnel to support students from day one.

As a Para Educator with Zen Educate, you will be entrusted with responsibilities that include behavioral interventions, personalized student support, classroom assistance, detailed data collection on student progress, and effective communication with educators, parents, and school staff. The role requires not only a solid understanding of educational support techniques but also the physical ability to engage actively within the classroom, including mobility and lifting capabilities.

Compensation for this role is competitive and reflective of the critical support these professionals provide. Pay ranges from $22 to $24.50 per hour, with weekly payments, offering financial consistency for both full-time and part-time employees. The work schedule is Monday through Friday during typical school hours from 7:30 a.m. to between 3:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., with no weekend work required. This schedule aims to align with standard school operating hours, providing a structured and manageable work-life balance.

Zen Educate also offers substantial benefits that underscore their investment in staff well-being and long-term career development. Employees have access to paid weekly wages, eligibility for 401K plans, and strong prospects for long-term employment opportunities within school districts, reflecting the company's commitment to career stability and growth.

If you are driven by a passion for fostering student success and want to be part of an organization dedicated to transforming educational experiences, Zen Educate invites you to apply and become a valued member of their classroom team. This role is ideal for individuals seeking a meaningful career that combines hands-on student interaction, educational collaboration, and the satisfaction of contributing directly to inclusive learning environments.

Job Requirements

  • High school diploma obtained in the United States
  • 6+ months experience supporting people with special needs (in any capacity)
  • applicants must have professional proficiency in English
  • US work authorization
  • comfortable being on your feet and moving around the classroom
  • able to lift up to 20 lbs and safely assist students
  • additional physical requirements may be requested during application process

Job Qualifications

  • High school diploma obtained in the United States
  • 6+ months experience supporting people with special needs, ideally child-focused
  • professional proficiency in English
  • US work authorization
  • experience working in special education
  • experience with personal care tasks
  • experience handling unexpected behaviour
  • comfortable with eloping
  • experience with behaviour strategies and methodologies
  • experience in collecting data and following BI plan
  • associate's degree or higher (US or US equivalency)
  • Pro-Act training
  • certification in CPR and First Aid

Job Duties

  • Implement and manage behavioral intervention plans
  • provide positive reinforcement and use de-escalation techniques
  • provide personalized support to special education students
  • assist teachers in managing classroom behaviors
  • foster a positive and inclusive environment
  • encourage student participation
  • record and maintain detailed data on student progress
  • build and maintain effective communication with teachers, parents, and school staff

Job Criteria

Experience

No experience required


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