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Teaching Assistant - Immediate Start at Zen Educate

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

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
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
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-February2026-105

$42k - $44k is competitive for Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary nationally

National salary averages
$42k - $44k
↑ 31% vs typical entry-level
Entry
Mid
Senior
This job
$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