Teaching Assistant - Immediate Start

Company: Zen Educate
Location: Bedford
Posted on: February 21, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Start the School Year Strong! - Now hiring for the 2025–2026 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 full-time 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. Talk to a recruiter today and see how we can help you find the perfect role. This Teaching Assistant role provides a dynamic opportunity to contribute to the instructional environment, assisting with lesson preparation, classroom management, and providing tailored support to meet diverse student needs. Key Responsibilities - Assist licensed staff in the classroom by helping implement academic adaptations and individualized education plans (IEPs). - Work with students individually or in small groups to support their self-care and social/behavioral needs. - Maintain a classroom environment that is safe and conducive to learning. - Provide timely support for students in crisis situations. - Utilize a variety of learning methods to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. Must-Have Qualifications Required Qualifications - Hold an Associate Degree or higher from a US-accredited college or university OR hold a high school diploma plus a passed ParaPro Assessment, with a qualifying score of at least 456. - 6 months experience supporting people with special needs (in any capacity), ideally child-focused experience - 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 / Experience - Valid Educational Aide Permit - Experience working in special education, particularly with moderate to severe behaviors - Experience with personal care tasks, like diapering and toileting - Experience handling unexpected behaviour, such as hitting and biting - Comfortable with eloping - Experience with behaviour strategies and methodologies - Experience in collecting data and following BI plan - Certification in CPR and First Aid Salary Pay: $16-19/hour, paid weekly. Schedule: Monday to Friday, within hours of 7:30 am - 3:00/4:30 pm (no weekend work). Benefits: - Weekly Direct Deposit - Potential to qualify for health coverage and 401(k) participation, subject to role and eligibility criteria Ready to get started? Connect with a recruiter today to explore open opportunities. Why Zen Zen Educate makes your job search simple and transparent. We match you with schools that fit your goals and provide ongoing support, from your first chat to your first day in the classroom, so you can focus on what matters most: making a difference for students. About Zen 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. Ref: CLE-HQ-TA-February2026-105

Keywords: Zen Educate, Detroit , Teaching Assistant - Immediate Start, Education / Teaching , Bedford, Michigan