Success story
LIFE Prep Transitions to Zen for Reliable Staffing
LIFE Prep (Learning In a Family Environment) is an elementary charter school serving Pre-K through 6th-grade students in St. Paul, Minnesota. In the summer of 2025, the school’s administration was seeking a new staffing partner after their previous agency was unexpectedly no longer able to serve schools in Minnesota.
This sudden shift left LIFE Prep with an urgent need for reliable teacher and paraprofessional staffing for the upcoming school year. The school required a partner who could not only fill vacancies quickly but also ensure that every student, regardless of their support needs, received the consistent and specialized care required to participate fully in the school’s curriculum.
LIFE Prep partnered with Zen to fill both short- and long-term vacancies for roles supporting students in general education and special education settings.
Dedicated Account Management
Recognizing the level of urgency, Zen’s dedicated Account Manager worked quickly to understand the unique needs of LIFE Prep and its students. The Account Manager facilitated a smooth transition from the previous agency through prompt communication and on-site school visits, establishing a strong partnership with the administration that continues to evolve alongside the school’s needs
Streamlined Short-Term Staffing
When day-of substitute teachers are needed, the LIFE Prep team now has the flexibility to choose their preferred fulfillment method. They can allow the Zen platform to fill roles automatically using a smart matching algorithm tailored to the school's needs, or manually browse local educators to find the perfect fit. This streamlined process allows roles to be filled within 8.5 minutes on average, ensuring that vacancies are covered before the first bell rings.
Thoughtful Long-Term Staffing
Zen’s dedicated account manager constantly refines a pool of local educators best suited to meet the school’s needs based on ongoing input from the LIFE Prep team. When the need to fill a long-term role arises, the school relies on Zen for expert consultation. This collaborative approach allows LIFE Prep to fill critical positions with the peace of mind that their students will continue to receive an exceptional learning experience.
95% Fill Rate for Short-Term Substitute Roles
When a teacher is unavailable, the LIFE Prep team can confidently fill their absence and even “favorite” their preferred substitute teachers in the platform so they’re easily accessible the next time a classroom needs short-term staffing support.
100% Fill Rate for Long-Term Roles
Zen consistently finds passionate, top-tier educators to fill long-term vacancies for both teachers and paraprofessionals at LIFE Prep school.
100% Retention Rate for Long-Term Roles
All teachers and paraprofessionals placed in long-term roles by Zen remain in their position, ensuring students receive uninterrupted support.
“From finding substitutes who meet our diverse needs to filling vacancies we had posted for months, we can always rely on the Zen team to come through. In the past, staff and administrators often had to step in to cover classrooms, pulling them away from their important responsibilities. Now, when I receive a text or email that a staff member will be out for the day, I no longer have to scramble to find coverage. I know I can rely on Zen."
Christyna S., Assistant Principal
Impact where it matters most
95%
Fill rate
for short-term roles
100%
Fill Rate
for long-term roles
100%
Retention Rate
for long-term roles
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