Classroom Assistant - Immediate Start
Gates Mills, OH, 44040, USA
- $16 - $19 p/hour
- Education
- Classroom assistant
- Para educator
- Special education support
The Classroom Assistant provides essential support in special education classrooms by assisting licensed staff with academic adaptations and individualized education plans, supporting students with behavioral and self-care needs, and maintaining a safe learning environment. This role requires experience with special needs students, proficiency in English, and the ability to handle physical tasks and crisis situations. The position offers weekday hours, competitive hourly pay, and potential benefits such as health coverage and 401(k) eligibility.
Limited Positions - Now hiring for the 2025–2026 school year.
We're hiring now! Zen Educate is looking for Para Educators. 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 see how we can help you find the perfect role.
As a Classroom Assistant, you will help create an effective and stimulating learning space, assisting with differentiated instruction, supporting students with various learning styles, and contributing to the overall success of the class.
Key Responsibilities:
- Assist licensed staff in the classroom by helping implement academic adaptations and individualized education plans (IEPs).
- Work with students individually or in small groups to support their self-care and social/behavioral needs.
- Maintain a classroom environment that is safe and conducive to learning.
- Provide timely support for students in crisis situations.
- Utilize a variety of learning methods to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
Required Qualifications:
- Hold an Associate Degree or higher from a US-accredited college or university OR hold a high school diploma plus a passed ParaPro Assessment, with a qualifying score of at least 456.
- 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:
- Valid Educational Aide Permit
- 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
- Certification in CPR and First Aid
Salary
Pay: $16-19/hour, paid weekly.
Schedule: Monday to Friday, within hours of 7:30 am - 3:00/4:30 pm (no weekend work)
Benefits:
- Weekly Direct Deposit
- Potential to qualify for health coverage and 401(k) participation, subject to role and eligibility criteria
Ready to get started? Connect with a recruiter today to explore open opportunities.
Why Zen
We believe educators deserve clarity and respect at every step. Zen Educate offers a transparent, streamlined hiring process, fair pay, and ongoing support so you can focus on teaching and making a meaningful impact in classrooms
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: CLE-HQ-TA-January2026-112




