Instructional Assistant

Get Set for the 2025-2026 School 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.

As a Special Education Instructional Assistant, you'll work closely with licensed teachers to support K–12 students with special needs in the classroom. Your role will focus on helping students succeed academically, socially, and emotionally by providing one-on-one and small group assistance tailored to their IEP goals.

Key Responsibilities
- Behavioral Support: Implement and manage behavioral intervention plans (BIPs), provide positive reinforcement, and use de-escalation techniques as necessary.
- Individualized Support: Provide personalized support to special education students, tailoring materials and strategies to their unique learning and behavioral needs.
- Classroom Assistance: Assist teachers in managing classroom behaviors, fostering a positive and inclusive environment, and encouraging student participation.
- Data Collection: Record and maintain detailed data on student progress, behaviors, and interventions to support the special education team.
- Communication: Build and maintain effective communication with teachers, parents, and school staff to ensure cohesive and consistent support for students.

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 makes your job search simple and transparent. We match you with schools that fit your goals and provide ongoing support, from your first chat to your first day in the classroom, so you can focus on what matters most: making a difference for students.

About Zen
Zen Educate is redefining how educators find their next role. Our platform streamlines the job search process, making it faster and easier for you to find opportunities that align with your skills, goals, and values - all with personalized support.

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