Job Description
Turn Your Passion for Helping into Purposeful Work
We’re hiring paraprofessionals and classroom aides to support special education students for the 2025–2026 school year. These are school-year positions designed to help you build meaningful experience in SPED classrooms and join a team that’s making a difference where it’s needed most.
Connect with a recruiter today and take the first step toward a rewarding career in education.
This Paraprofessional role offers a dynamic opportunity to work closely with students, either individually or in small groups, reinforcing lessons, aiding with assignments, and contributing to a positive and productive classroom.
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
Education:
- 60 college credits or higher, OR one of the following:
-- A passing score on the Paraeducator Assessment (65% or higher on the Instructional Support test and 70% or higher on the Knowledge and Application test)
-- A passing score on the Paraprofessional Assessment (combined score of 460 or above)
Language & Authorization:
- Professional proficiency in English.
- U.S. Work Authorization (Zen Educate cannot provide sponsorship for an employment visa or relocation assistance).
Experience:
- Prior experience working with children in a structured setting is an asset.
Preferred Qualifications
- ParaPro Certification (upskilling options provided on a case-by-case basis for candidates without the standard educational background)
- Behavioral Technician or PCA experience working with children is an asset.
- Past work experience in a school setting with children with special needs is an asset.
Compensation & Benefits
Pay: $18 - $21 per hour, paid weekly. (for low to medium sped support)*
Pay: $22 - $23 per hour, paid weekly. (for high sped support - prior experience required)*
Schedule: Monday to Friday, within hours of 7:30 am - 3:00/4:30 pm (no weekend work).
Benefits:
- Weekly pay
- Paid Sick Leave
- 401K (certain eligibility criteria)
* depends on availability of schools and roles near your location.
About Zen
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 across the Minneapolis–Saint Paul region.
Why Zen
Take Control of Your Career: With Zen Educate, you set your availability, role preferences, and travel distance, giving you unparalleled flexibility and control over your work life.
Ref: MSP-north-TA-June2025-131