Assistant Teacher - Start

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.

About Zen Educate

At Zen Educate, our mission is simple: to support schools by connecting them with dedicated, high-quality education professionals. We believe in making the hiring process easier for educators and creating better outcomes for students. 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

Step into an Assistant Teacher role and gain valuable teaching experience by actively participating in all aspects of classroom management and instruction, from developing learning materials to guiding student projects.

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.

Ref: #SDTAZA-Oct26