Instructional Assistant

Get Set for the 2025-2026 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.

Don’t wait, connect with a recruiter today and see how we can help you find the perfect role.

Key Responsibilities

• Behavioral Support : Implement and manage behavioral intervention plans (BIPs), provide positive reinforcement, and use de-escalation techniques as necessary.
• Individualized Support : Provide personalized support to special education students, tailoring materials and strategies to their unique learning and behavioral needs.
• Classroom Assistance : Assist teachers in managing classroom behaviors, fostering a positive and inclusive environment, and encouraging student participation.
• Data Collection : Record and maintain detailed data on student progress, behaviors, and interventions to support the special education team.
• Communication : Build and maintain effective communication with teachers, parents, and school staff to ensure cohesive and consistent support for students.

Required Qualifications

High school diploma obtained in the United States

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

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

Associate's degree or higher (obtained in the US or US equivalency check completed)

Pro-Act training

Certification in CPR and First Aid

Salary

Pay : $22 - $24.50 per hour, paid weekly.

Schedule : Monday to Friday, within hours of 7 : 30 am - 3 : 00 / 4 : 30 pm (no weekend work)

Benefits :

Paid weekly

401K (certain eligibility criteria)

Long-term employment opportunities within the District

Why Zen

Succeed and grow with confidence. Zen Educate offers unwavering support throughout your entire experience – from initial application to classroom success and continued professional development, ensuring you always have the backup you need.

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 across the Minneapolis–Saint Paul region.

Ref : SD-NHQ-TA-October2025-182