Teacher Aide - Immediate Start

Zen Educate Inc.; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Full 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 Para Educators for the 2026-2027 school year to support students with special needs. You will assist with instructional preparation, supervise students, and contribute to classroom management in an essential teacher aide role.

The role emphasizes working with mild to severe special education needs, with opportunities for professional development and weekly pay. Must have English proficiency and US work authorization; location in Kansas may vary by assignment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• 1+ years of experience in childcare/education.
• Must have professional proficiency in English.
• US Work Authorization - visa sponsorship not provided at this time.

Responsibilities

• Assist licensed staff in the classroom.
• Aid students in meeting their IEP goals.
• Maintain a classroom environment conducive to learning.
• Work with individuals and/or small groups during activities and assignments.
• Provide support for students in crisis.
• Utilize varied learning methods to enhance student experiences.
• Assist with behavior management and de-escalation.
• Celebrate and support the students you’re working with.
• Assist with personal care tasks as needed (feeding, toileting, etc.).

Skills

English proficiency

Education

High School Diploma or GED

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 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.

In this essential Teacher Aide position, you will be a key support figure in the classroom, assisting with instructional preparation, student supervision during various activities, and contributing to overall classroom management.

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