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Teaching Assistant - Immediate Start at Zen Educate

Zen Educate No longer available

Job Description

Start the School Year Strong! - Now hiring for the 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.

Join our team as a Teaching Assistant and actively participate in the educational journey of students, providing essential support that helps bridge learning gaps and inspires a love for knowledge.

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

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
At Zen Educate, we're transforming how educators find their perfect roles, making the process simpler, fairer, and more rewarding. Our innovative platform connects educators with schools in a way that's transparent, efficient, and empowering. We're passionate about offering fair pay, lowering costs for schools, and reinvesting in what truly matters: students.

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-February2026-105

Typical entry-level pay: $33k for Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary nationally

National salary averages
Expected entry-level
$33k
Entry
Mid
Senior
Expected
$28k Market range (10th-90th percentile) $74k

Senior roles pay 85% more than entry—experience is well rewarded.

Strong candidate leverage

Strong hiring activity gives you options. Use competing offers strategically.

Hiring leverage
Candidate-favored
Wage leverage
Balanced
Mobility
Good mobility

Who this leverage applies to

Stronger for: Senior candidates with options

Where to negotiate

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

Likely Possible Unlikely

Use competing offers and timing to your advantage.

Does this path compound?

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

Limited new roles, but specialists earn significantly more.

+3%
10yr growth
A bachelor's degree is typically expected.
Typical: Bachelor's degree

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

Labor data: BLS 2024