For education majors seeking special education, RBT, and summer work opportunities, finding meaningful positions with older students can be challenging yet rewarding. While Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) roles are common, many alternatives exist for those wanting to work with adolescents and young adults. This article explores diverse opportunities beyond traditional teaching assistant positions.
Beyond RBT: Alternative Special Education Summer Positions
Many education students automatically consider RBT roles, but these often focus on younger children. Fortunately, several alternatives exist:
- Summer school instructional aides – Many high schools hire assistants for credit recovery programs
- Transition program helpers – Work with special needs students preparing for adulthood
- Community-based instruction aides – Assist in real-world learning environments
- Residential camp counselors – Many special needs camps serve teens and young adults
Finding the Right Summer Opportunity in Special Education
To locate these positions, education students should:
- Contact local school district special education departments
- Search job boards like Indeed using terms like “transition aide” or “summer special education”
- Reach out to organizations serving adults with disabilities
- Check university career centers for specialized opportunities
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, special education continues to grow as a field, making summer experience valuable for future job prospects.
Building Professional Skills Through Summer Work
Summer positions with older students offer unique benefits:
- Develop age-appropriate behavior management techniques
- Gain experience with transition planning and IEP implementation
- Learn vocational training approaches
- Build relationships with potential future employers
For education majors, special education summer work provides both immediate income and long-term career advantages. By exploring alternatives to traditional RBT roles, students can gain diverse experience that makes them more competitive in the job market.
