Instructional Assistant

Start the School Year Strong! - Now hiring 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.

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 and de-escalate behaviors
• Work with individuals and / or small groups when activities and assignments are presented
• Provides support for students in crisis
• Utilize a variety of learning methods to enhance the student's learning experiences and support them as needed

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

Working with Zen Educate means more than just finding a job — it’s about building a career. We help you find roles that fit your experience today while preparing you for even greater opportunities tomorrow.

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