Teaching Assistant - Immediate Start

Zen Educate Inc.; Lawrence (KS); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly direct deposit

Professional development

Paid sick leave

Insurance: medical, dental, vision

401(k) plan

Job summary

Zen Educate Inc. is seeking Para Educators to support students with special needs during the 2026–2027 school year. You’ll assist licensed staff in the classroom, help students with IEPs, and maintain a positive learning environment while working with individuals or small groups.

This full-time role requires a High School Diploma or GED, 1+ year of childcare/education experience, and English proficiency. US work authorization is required; visa sponsorship is not available.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• 1+ years experience in childcare or education.
• Applicants must have professional proficiency in English.

Responsibilities

• Assist licensed staff in the classroom.
• Aid students in meeting their IEP.
• Maintain a classroom environment conducive to learning.
• Work with individuals and/or small groups.
• Provide support for students in crisis.
• Utilize a variety of learning methods to enhance student learning.
• Behavior management and de-escalation support.
• Celebrate the students you’re working with.
• Support students with elements of personal care (feeding, toileting, etc.).

Skills

English proficiency

Experience in childcare/education

US work authorization

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 partners with public and charter schools across various school districts. We help schools hire dedicated paraprofessionals and teaching assistants, creating smart, timely matches that support students with special education needs and build stronger school communities.

Join our team as a Teaching Assistant and actively participate in the educational journey of students, providing essential support that helps bridge learning gaps and inspires a love for knowledge.

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: #KCTAZA-Nov26