This job is no longer available
The position may have been filled or the posting has expired. Browse similar opportunities below.
Teacher Aide - Immediate Start at Zen Educate
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.
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.
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
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: MSP TA-February2026-103
$42k - $44k is competitive for Teaching Assistants nationally
Hot hiring, constrained wages
Employers are hiring actively, but pay hasn't caught up with demand. Focus on competing offers and non-salary benefits.
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
Where to negotiate
Likely Possible Unlikely
Watch out for
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?
Steady work, but limited growth in both jobs and pay.
Openings come from turnover, not new growth. Differentiate to advance.