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ZE

Classroom Assistant - Immediate Start at Zen Educate

Zen Educate No longer available $20 - $21/hour

Job Description

Limited Positions - Now hiring for the 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.

Must-Have Qualifications
Education:
- 60 college credits or higher, OR one of the following:
- A passing score on the Paraeducator Assessment (65% or higher on the Instructional Support test and 70% or higher on the Knowledge and Application test)
- A passing score on the Paraprofessional Assessment (combined score of 460 or above)

Language & Authorization:
- Professional proficiency in English.
- U.S. Work Authorization (Zen Educate cannot provide sponsorship for an employment visa or relocation assistance).

Experience:
- Prior experience working with children in a structured setting is an asset.

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
- ParaPro Certification (upskilling options provided on a case-by-case basis for candidates without the standard educational background)
- Behavioral Technician or PCA experience working with children is an asset.
- Past work experience in a school setting with children with special needs is an asset.

Salary
Pay: $20 - $21 per hour, paid weekly. (for low to medium sped support)
Pay: $22 - $23 per hour, paid weekly. (for high sped support - prior experience required)
Schedule: Monday to Friday, within hours of 7:30 am - 3:00/4:30 pm (no weekend work).

Benefits:
- Weekly pay
- Paid Sick Leave
- 401K (certain eligibility criteria)

depends on availability of schools and roles near your location.

Why Zen
At Zen Educate, we take the time to understand your preferences, experience, and career goals, then match you with schools that fit your needs. Our personalized approach makes finding the right role faster, easier, and more rewarding.

About Zen
At Zen Educate, our mission is simple: to support schools by connecting them with dedicated, high-quality education professionals. We believe in making the hiring process easier for educators and creating better outcomes for students.


Ref: MSP-NHQ-TA-February2026-112

$42k - $44k beats the market for Teaching Assistants nationally

National salary averages
$42k - $44k
↑ 45% vs typical entry-level
Entry
Mid
Senior
This job
$24k Market range (10th-90th percentile) $50k

Mid-level roles pay ~21% more—room to grow.

This is a strong offer—weigh total comp and growth potential.

Hot hiring, constrained wages

Employers are hiring actively, but pay hasn't caught up with demand. Focus on competing offers and non-salary benefits.

Hiring leverage
Candidate-favored
Wage leverage âš  Disconnect
Constrained
Mobility
High mobility
Durability
High fragility

Why this market feels harder than it looks

This market is hiring aggressively, but compensation hasn't caught up and most openings are backfilling churn, not expansion. Employers are filling roles, but not bidding wages up.

Who this leverage applies to

Stronger for: Senior candidates with options
Weaker for: Entry-level candidates, Career switchers

Where to negotiate

Base salary
Sign-on bonus
Title / level
Remote flexibility
Scope & responsibility
Start date / PTO

Likely Possible Unlikely

Watch out for

Wage disconnect: Hiring is active but pay hasn't responded—negotiate on other terms.

Don't let hiring headlines mislead you—focus on concrete offers. Your leverage may be less durable than it appears—move decisively.

Does this path compound?

Job Growth →
High churn
Growth, flat pay
🚀 Compound
Growth + pay upside
⚠️ Plateau
Limited growth
Specialize
Experts earn more
Pay Upside →
Stable but flat

Steady work, but limited growth in both jobs and pay.

-1%
10yr growth
Most openings come from retirements and turnover, not new positions.
195,000 openings projected annually—mostly replacing retirees and turnover.

Openings come from turnover, not new growth. Differentiate to advance.

Labor data: BLS 2024