Teaching Assistant - Immediate Start

Company: Zen Educate
Location: Poway
Posted on: February 18, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Limited Positions - Now hiring for the 2025–2026 school year. We're hiring now! Zen Educate is looking for Para Educators. You'll grow your skills, gain meaningful experience, and work where your support matters every day. These roles support students with a range of special education needs, including mild, moderate, and severe needs. Don’t wait, connect with a recruiter today and see how we can help you find the perfect role. As a Teaching Assistant, you'll actively support lead teachers in delivering engaging lessons, working with students individually or in small groups to reinforce learning concepts and foster academic progress. Key Responsibilities - Behavioral Support: Implement and manage behavioral intervention plans (BIPs), provide positive reinforcement, and use de-escalation techniques as necessary. - Individualized Support: Provide personalized support to special education students, tailoring materials and strategies to their unique learning and behavioral needs. - Classroom Assistance: Assist teachers in managing classroom behaviors, fostering a positive and inclusive environment, and encouraging student participation. - Data Collection: Record and maintain detailed data on student progress, behaviors, and interventions to support the special education team. - Communication: Build and maintain effective communication with teachers, parents, and school staff to ensure cohesive and consistent support for students. Required Qualifications - High school diploma obtained in the United States - 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 - 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 - Associate's degree or higher (obtained in the US or US equivalency check completed) - Pro-Act training - Certification in CPR and First Aid Salary Pay : $22 - $24.50 per hour, paid weekly. Schedule : Monday to Friday, within hours of 7:30 am - 3:00/4:30 pm (no weekend work) Benefits: - Paid weekly - 401K (certain eligibility criteria) - Long-term employment opportunities within the District 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. Ref: SDTA-February2026-105 Company Description Zen Educate connects talented education professionals with meaningful placements in schools where they can truly make a difference. We match you with opportunities that align with your skills, preferences, and goals, helping you step into a classroom and start having an impact from day one. Our team offers continuous, personalized support throughout the process, ensuring you feel confident and prepared to thrive in your new role. Company Description Zen Educate connects talented education professionals with meaningful placements in schools where they can truly make a difference. We match you with opportunities that align with your skills, preferences, and goals, helping you step into a classroom and start having an impact from day one. Our team offers continuous, personalized support throughout the process, ensuring you feel confident and prepared to thrive in your new role.

Keywords: Zen Educate, Aliso Viejo , Teaching Assistant - Immediate Start, Education / Teaching , Poway, California