Instructional Assistant - Immediate Start

Limited Positions - Now hiring for the 2025–2026 school year. Your Opportunity to Make a Difference and Inspire Starts Now. We’re hiring paraprofessionals and classroom support staff for immediate hire to work with students who need specialized support. These roles are focused on SPED classrooms and are ideal for those looking to grow their skills and make a meaningful impact all year long. These roles support students with a range of special education needs, including mild, moderate, and severe needs.

Ready to get started? Connect with a recruiter today to feel the difference you can make.

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: - Paid weekly - 401K (certain eligibility criteria) - Long-term employment opportunities within the District Why Zen Zen Educate connects passionate educators with schools that need them most. Every match helps build stronger classrooms and brighter futures for students. We make the process simple, transparent, and focused on what really matters, impact. About Zen Zen Educate helps schools hire dedicated paraprofessionals and teaching assistants, creating smart, timely matches that support students with special education needs and strengthen school communities.

Ref: SD-NHQ-TA-March2026-182