Start the School Year Strong! - Now hiring for the 2025–2026 school year.
We're hiring now! Zen Educate is looking for Para Educators. If you're passionate about supporting students with special needs and want a full-time 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.
Talk to a recruiter today and see how we can help you find the perfect role.
This Teacher Aide role involves working directly with students under the teacher's direction, reinforcing lessons, supervising activities, and offering individual attention to help ensure every student understands and engages.
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
- 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: $17-18/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
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 connects schools with passionate, qualified educators through a clear and efficient process. Our mission is to make hiring fairer and simpler for both teachers and schools.
Ref: DET-NHQ-TA-January2026-103
