Instructional Assistant

Limited Positions - Now hiring for the 2025–2026 school year.
Your Opportunity to Make a Difference and Inspire Starts Now. We’re hiring paraprofessionals and classroom support staff for immediate hire to work with students who need specialized support. These roles are focused on SPED classrooms and are ideal for those looking to grow their skills and make a meaningful impact all year long. These roles support students with a range of special education needs, including mild, moderate, and severe needs.

Ready to get started? Connect with a recruiter today to feel the difference you can make.

Our Instructional Assistants are fundamental to a smoothly running classroom, providing practical support that allows teachers to focus on instruction, while also offering encouragement and guidance to students throughout the school day.

Responsibilities:
- Assisting licensed staff in the classroom
- Aid students in meeting their individualized education plan (IEP)
- Maintain a classroom environment that is conducive to learning
- Work with individuals and/or small groups when activities and assignments are presented
- Provide support for students in crisis
- Utilize a variety of learning methods to enhance the student's learning experiences and support them as needed
- Celebrate the students you’re working with
- Support students with elements of personal care (feeding, toileting, etc.)

Required Qualifications:

- 60 credits, Associates Degree, obtained a passing score on an appropriate ADE assessment, or Para Pro/Praxis Exam
- 1+ years experience working with children with special needs
- 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:

- Educator License with Stipulations (ELS) with a Paraprofessional (PARA) endorsement from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)
- Previous experience working in special education
- Behavioral Technician or PCA experience
- Crisis prevention (CPI) training
- CPR certification

Salary
Pay: $20 per hour, paid weekly

Schedule:

Minimum two days throughout 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.

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 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.

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