Assistant Teacher - Immediate Start

Company: Zen Educate
Location: San Diego
Posted on: February 22, 2026

Job Description:

Get Set for the 2025-2026 School Year! Step into full-time paraprofessional and classroom aide roles and support students with special needs in real classroom settings. 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 take the first step toward your future in education. Step into an Assistant Teacher role and gain valuable teaching experience by actively participating in all aspects of classroom management and instruction, from developing learning materials to guiding student projects. 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 and de-escalate behaviors - Work with individuals and/or small groups when activities and assignments are presented - Provides support for students in crisis - Utilize a variety of learning methods to enhance the student's learning experiences and support them as needed 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 Working with Zen Educate means more than just finding a job, it’s about building a career. We help you find roles that fit your experience today while preparing you for even greater opportunities tomorrow. 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. Ref: SD-NHQ-TA-February2026-122

Keywords: Zen Educate, La Mirada , Assistant Teacher - Immediate Start, Education / Teaching , San Diego, California