Instructional Assistant - Immediate Start

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

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly direct deposit

Professional development

Paid sick leave

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

Zen Educate Inc. is seeking a Special Education Instructional Assistant to support K–12 students with IEP goals in downtown Chicago.

You will work with licensed teachers, provide one-to-one and small group assistance, and help students succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. The role requires 60 credits/Associate degree or ParaPro/Praxis, 1+ year experience with special needs, and English proficiency.

Qualifications

• Must have professional proficiency in English
• 1+ year experience working with children with special needs
• 60 credits, Associates Degree, or ParaPro/Praxis Exam passed

Responsibilities

• Assist licensed staff in the classroom
• Aid students in meeting IEP goals
• Maintain a conducive learning environment
• Work with individuals or small groups for activities
• Provide support for students in crisis
• Use varied learning methods to enhance student experiences
• Celebrate the students’ progress
• Assist with personal care as needed

Skills

Proficiency in English

Experience with special needs

Education

60 credits / Associate degree or ParaPro/Praxis

Job description

Job Description

Looking for a Rewarding Role for the 2026–2027 School Year? Zen Educate is looking for Para Educators. If you're passionate about supporting students with special needs and want a role where you can make a real impact, this could be your next step. These roles support students with a range of special education needs, including mild, moderate, and severe needs.

About Zen Educate Zen Educate partners with public and charter schools across various school districts to build stronger school communities. Our team is committed to supporting educators with personalized job matches and ongoing mentorship at every step. 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

As a Special Education Instructional Assistant, you'll work closely with licensed teachers to support K–12 students with special needs in the classroom. Your role will focus on helping students succeed academically, socially, and emotionally by providing one‑on‑one and small group assistance tailored to their IEP goals.

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

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