Instructional Assistant - Hiring Now

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Job Description

Summary

As a Special Education Instructional Assistant, you'll work closely with licensed teachers to support K–12 students with special needs in the classroom. Your role will focus on helping students succeed academically, socially, and emotionally by providing one-on-one and small group assistance tailored to their IEP goals.

San Diego

California

Part Time, Full Time

$22 - $24.50 per hour

Responsibilities

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.

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Reviews

22 Jun 2026
Super helpful and supportive team
The entire team at Zen Educate has been super helpful, responsive, and supportive as I’ve worked to obtain my Tier 4 MN education license. They’ve been flexible with my ever changing schedule and helped me secure some great subbing opportunities.
Jacob barkley
Google
20 Jun 2026
Meaningful Work, work always available
I love working with Zen. The schedule is flexible if you want to work full time or part time. There is always work available to pick up a shift the night before or the morning of. You can even take on a permanent role at a school if requested. Management is very supportive and understanding.
Special Education Teacher
14 Jun 2026
Flexible schedule
Although I can’t complain the many opportunities this agency have provided for me and it’s plus for being a w-2 taxed job the benefits takes nearly 11 months to receive them.
John Egelkrout
18 Apr 2026
Great place to work please consider applying
What is the best part of working at the company? Flexibility and great responsive management. What is the most stressful part about working at the company? It is not Zen that causes the stress directly, but some teachers aren’t prepared for you in any way. Concerning special needs classrooms, the down time involved to figure responsibilities out can be detrimental to students. What is the work environment and culture like at the company? Every single employee I’ve had the pleasure of meeting is very nice and also capable.
Autism Behavior Intervention Assistant
22 Mar 2026
Zen is a fantastic place to work
Zen is a fantastic place to work for. I was very quickly placed into a school nearby home and I am consistently given opportunities to cover shifts at other schools in the area when needed. My superiors have excellent communication and treat me with respect. I feel very welcomed with other Zen Para’s and subs! This is a great opportunity to showcase the education employment and they help with all the tools you need daily. Wonderful company that has encouraged me to follow my education dreams!
Steph Herrmann
Google
6 Mar 2026
Amazing For Mothers
Room for growth and exploration. Zen is all about working with you and your needs as a teacher. This is amazing for mothers getting back in the workforce after caring for kids and people looking to explore a career change. Zen is encouraging and supportive. Is your dream to be a teacher? Zen is all about helping you to make it happen.
LeAnna Herron
Google

4.0

Rating

Google

4.8

Rating

Reviews

22 Jun 2026
Super helpful and supportive team
The entire team at Zen Educate has been super helpful, responsive, and supportive as I’ve worked to obtain my Tier 4 MN education license. They’ve been flexible with my ever changing schedule and helped me secure some great subbing opportunities.
Jacob barkley
Google
20 Jun 2026
Meaningful Work, work always available
I love working with Zen. The schedule is flexible if you want to work full time or part time. There is always work available to pick up a shift the night before or the morning of. You can even take on a permanent role at a school if requested. Management is very supportive and understanding.
Special Education Teacher
14 Jun 2026
Flexible schedule
Although I can’t complain the many opportunities this agency have provided for me and it’s plus for being a w-2 taxed job the benefits takes nearly 11 months to receive them.
John Egelkrout
18 Apr 2026
Great place to work please consider applying
What is the best part of working at the company? Flexibility and great responsive management. What is the most stressful part about working at the company? It is not Zen that causes the stress directly, but some teachers aren’t prepared for you in any way. Concerning special needs classrooms, the down time involved to figure responsibilities out can be detrimental to students. What is the work environment and culture like at the company? Every single employee I’ve had the pleasure of meeting is very nice and also capable.
Autism Behavior Intervention Assistant
22 Mar 2026
Zen is a fantastic place to work
Zen is a fantastic place to work for. I was very quickly placed into a school nearby home and I am consistently given opportunities to cover shifts at other schools in the area when needed. My superiors have excellent communication and treat me with respect. I feel very welcomed with other Zen Para’s and subs! This is a great opportunity to showcase the education employment and they help with all the tools you need daily. Wonderful company that has encouraged me to follow my education dreams!
Steph Herrmann
Google
6 Mar 2026
Amazing For Mothers
Room for growth and exploration. Zen is all about working with you and your needs as a teacher. This is amazing for mothers getting back in the workforce after caring for kids and people looking to explore a career change. Zen is encouraging and supportive. Is your dream to be a teacher? Zen is all about helping you to make it happen.
LeAnna Herron
Google

22 Jun 2026
Super helpful and supportive team
The entire team at Zen Educate has been super helpful, responsive, and supportive as I’ve worked to obtain my Tier 4 MN education license. They’ve been flexible with my ever changing schedule and helped me secure some great subbing opportunities.
Jacob barkley
Google
20 Jun 2026
Meaningful Work, work always available
I love working with Zen. The schedule is flexible if you want to work full time or part time. There is always work available to pick up a shift the night before or the morning of. You can even take on a permanent role at a school if requested. Management is very supportive and understanding.
Special Education Teacher
14 Jun 2026
Flexible schedule
Although I can’t complain the many opportunities this agency have provided for me and it’s plus for being a w-2 taxed job the benefits takes nearly 11 months to receive them.
John Egelkrout
18 Apr 2026
Great place to work please consider applying
What is the best part of working at the company? Flexibility and great responsive management. What is the most stressful part about working at the company? It is not Zen that causes the stress directly, but some teachers aren’t prepared for you in any way. Concerning special needs classrooms, the down time involved to figure responsibilities out can be detrimental to students. What is the work environment and culture like at the company? Every single employee I’ve had the pleasure of meeting is very nice and also capable.
Autism Behavior Intervention Assistant
22 Mar 2026
Zen is a fantastic place to work
Zen is a fantastic place to work for. I was very quickly placed into a school nearby home and I am consistently given opportunities to cover shifts at other schools in the area when needed. My superiors have excellent communication and treat me with respect. I feel very welcomed with other Zen Para’s and subs! This is a great opportunity to showcase the education employment and they help with all the tools you need daily. Wonderful company that has encouraged me to follow my education dreams!
Steph Herrmann
Google
6 Mar 2026
Amazing For Mothers
Room for growth and exploration. Zen is all about working with you and your needs as a teacher. This is amazing for mothers getting back in the workforce after caring for kids and people looking to explore a career change. Zen is encouraging and supportive. Is your dream to be a teacher? Zen is all about helping you to make it happen.
LeAnna Herron
Google