Teaching Assistant - Immediate Start

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

Benefits offered by this job

Weekly pay

Health insurance

401(k) plan

Paid sick leave

Job summary

Zen Educate Inc. is seeking a dedicated Teaching Assistant in Northbrook, IL, to support students with special needs during the 2026-2027 school year. This on-site role involves assisting licensed staff, supporting IEP goals, and helping maintain a positive, structured classroom.

Requirements include 60 credits or an associate degree, 1+ year experience with special needs, and English proficiency. The position offers weekly pay at $21/hour, a Monday–Friday schedule with two days minimum, and

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.

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.)

Skills

English proficiency

Dependability

Classroom support

Education

60 credits / Associate degree or ParaPro/Praxis

Job description

Job Description

Secure Your Role for the 2026–2027 School Year!
We're hiring now! 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. Now’s your chance to get set up for success and be ready to create strong bonds and make a lasting impact.

???? About Zen Educate
At Zen Educate, our mission is simple: to support schools by connecting them with dedicated, high-quality education professionals. We believe in making the hiring process easier for educators and creating better outcomes for students.

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.

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