Instructional Assistant - Hiring Now

Zen Educate Inc.; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 21,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

Health insurance eligibility

Professional development

Sick leave

401(k) retirement plan eligibility

Job summary

Zen Educate Inc. is hiring Teaching Assistants to support K-12 students in SPED classrooms in Topeka, KS. You will assist teachers, support individualized education plans, and help with classroom management and student engagement.

The role offers $18/hour, paid weekly, Monday through Friday, with hours roughly 7:30 am–3:00 pm or 4:30 pm, and benefits such as weekly pay and professional development opportunities.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 1+ years experience in childcare/education.
• US work authorization required.

Responsibilities

• Assist licensed staff in classroom activities.
• Support students with IEP goals and personal care needs.
• Help maintain a conducive learning environment.
• Assist in small groups and individual instruction as needed.
• Support students in crisis scenarios and de-escalation.

Skills

English proficiency

Childcare/education experience

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

Job Description

Join Our Classroom Team Today, We are Hiring!
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.

???? About Zen Educate
Zen Educate connects schools with passionate, high-quality educators through a simple and transparent hiring process. We partner with public and charter schools to help them find the right staff, while making it easier for educators to discover roles that fit their skills, preferences, and career goals. Our mission is to create better outcomes for students by supporting the educators who make it happen, through smarter matching, fairer pay, and ongoing support.

As a Teaching Assistant, you’ll work under the guidance of classroom teachers to provide essential support to K-12 students, particularly those with special needs. You will assist with instructional activities, help manage classroom dynamics, facilitate positive interactions among students, and support students' individual learning and personal care needs to help them achieve their academic and developmental goals.

Key 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
• Behavior management and de-escalation support
• Celebrate the students you’re working with
• Support students with elements of personal care (feeding, toileting, etc.)

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED
• 1+ years experience in childcare/education
• 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:

• Previous experience working in special education classroom
• Behavioral Technician or PCA experience
• Crisis prevention (CPI) training
• CPR certification

Salary
Pay: $18 per hour, paid weekly.
Schedule: 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: #KCTA-Nov26