Assistant Teacher - Immediate Start

Zen Educate Inc.; Northbrook (IL); On-site; USD 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly direct deposit pay

Professional development and role‑cert

Paid sick leave

Health/dental/vision insurance after 1

401(k) with eligibility

Job summary

Zen Educate Inc. is hiring Para Educators to support students with special needs in a Chicago-area classroom. This full-time role focuses on assisting licensed staff, facilitating IEP goals, and fostering a positive, inclusive learning environment.

Applicants should have 60 college credits or an associate degree, at least 1 year of relevant experience, and English proficiency. US work authorization is required; visa sponsorship or relocation assistance is not provided.

Qualifications

• 60 credits, Associates Degree, passing ADE assessment, or ParaPro/Praxis Exam.
• 1+ year experience with children with special needs.
• Applicants must have professional proficiency in English.
• US Work Authorization – no visa sponsorship or relocation provided.

Responsibilities

• Assist licensed staff in the classroom.
• Help students meet their IEP goals.
• Maintain a conducive learning environment.
• Work with individuals or small groups during activities.
• Support students in crisis and use diverse teaching methods.

Education

60 credits, Associates Degree or ParaPro/Praxis

1+ years experience with children with special needs

Professional proficiency in English

US Work Authorization

Job description

Job Description

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.

About Zen Educate

Zen Educate is tackling the educator shortage by helping schools connect with passionate teaching assistants and paraprofessionals. We’re proud to support both schools and staff by creating smart, fast matches that benefit students and communities alike. When you join Zen, you’re not just taking an assignment, you’re joining an educator-first platform that supports you every step of the way. We are actively hiring to support students with specialized academic, social, and physical needs

In this significant Assistant Teacher position, you will contribute to curriculum development, assist with student assessment, and help create a positive and inclusive classroom culture that supports all learners.

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

• - Must be able to reliably commute to downtown Chicago (60603, the Loop) for each scheduled shift.
• - 60 credits, Associates Degree, obtained a passing score on an appropriate ADE assessment, or ParaPro/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

Salary
Pay: $21 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 and other offerings

• - Weekly pay by direct deposit, with paper check available on request
• - Professional development, including in-app training, paid role-specific certifications where applicable, and additional development opportunities depending on role and location
• - Paid sick leave in accordance with applicable state and local law
• - Medical, dental, and vision insurance available when eligibility requirements are met, which includes working more than 1,560 hours in a 12 month period.
• - 401(k) retirement plan with no employer match available when eligibility requirements are met, which includes working more than 1,000 hours in a 12 month period or more than 500 hours/year in a 24 month period.

Ref: #CHITAZA-Nov26