Teaching Assistant - Immediate Start
Oceanside, CA, 92057, USA
- $22 - $24.50 p/hour
- Education
- Full-time
- Teaching Assistant
- Special Education Support
- Classroom Support
The Teaching Assistant supports lead teachers by working with students individually or in groups, particularly in special education settings focused on mild to severe needs. Responsibilities include assisting with individualized education plans, behavior management, and providing personal care when necessary. This role requires a high school diploma, experience with special needs, and physical ability to assist students, offering opportunities for long-term employment and career growth.
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.
As a Teaching Assistant, you'll actively support lead teachers in delivering engaging lessons, working with students individually or in small groups to reinforce learning concepts and foster academic progress.
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
Working with Zen Educate means more than just finding a job, it’s about building a career. We help you find roles that fit your experience today while preparing you for even greater opportunities tomorrow.
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.
Ref: SD-NHQ-TA-January2026-105




