$270
Tuition Cost per Credit
2 years
Average Completion*
Teach Every Learner.
Make Every Difference.
Every student deserves a teacher who sees their potential.
The Bachelor of Science in Education in Elementary/Collaborative (K–6) at Athens State University prepares you to teach elementary students while developing the specialized knowledge and skills needed to support learners with diverse abilities and exceptional learning needs. You’ll build a strong foundation in elementary education while learning how to create inclusive classrooms, differentiate instruction, collaborate with other educators and professionals, and help every student participate and succeed.
It’s preparation for a teaching career built around one powerful idea: every learner belongs.
Program Overview
Today’s elementary classrooms bring together students with a wide range of abilities, backgrounds, learning styles, and educational needs. The Elementary/Collaborative (K–6) program prepares you to meet that diversity with confidence.
You’ll develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to teach the elementary curriculum while also learning how to support students with exceptional learning needs in collaborative and inclusive educational environments. Your coursework will combine elementary education with specialized study in areas such as exceptional learners, assessment, instructional strategies, classroom management, and collaboration. Field and clinical experiences give you opportunities to apply these skills in authentic educational settings.
The result is a well-rounded preparation for educators who want to be equipped to support the whole classroom—not just one type of learner.
Program Details
The Elementary/Collaborative (K–6) curriculum combines broad elementary teacher preparation with specialized knowledge related to collaborative and inclusive education.
Your coursework will explore areas such as:
- Elementary Education — Build the subject-area knowledge and instructional strategies needed to teach students in kindergarten through sixth grade.
- Exceptional Learners — Understand the characteristics, strengths, and educational needs of students with disabilities and other exceptional learning needs.
- Inclusive Instruction — Learn strategies for creating classrooms where students with diverse abilities can learn and participate together.
- Differentiated Instruction — Develop approaches for adapting instruction, activities, and assessments to meet individual student needs.
- Assessment & Intervention — Learn how assessment can help identify learning needs and inform effective instructional decisions.
- Classroom Management — Develop strategies for creating positive, supportive, and productive learning environments.
- Collaboration — Learn how teachers, families, specialists, administrators, and other professionals can work together to support student success.
- Assistive & Educational Technology — Explore tools and technologies that can help remove barriers to learning.
- Field & Clinical Experiences — Gain practical experience working with students and applying your knowledge in real educational settings.
Effective educators don’t expect every student to learn in exactly the same way. They know how to recognize differences, adapt their approach, and create opportunities for every student to succeed. This program prepares you to do exactly that.
Your Career Advantage Starts Here
Schools need educators who can teach strong academic content while also understanding how to support students with diverse learning needs. The Elementary/Collaborative (K–6) degree can give you a valuable combination of broad elementary teaching preparation and collaborative education expertise.
You’ll be prepared to contribute to inclusive learning environments and collaborate with families, special education professionals, administrators, and other members of a student’s educational team.
Explore your career pathways with the B.S.Ed. in Elementary/Collaborative Education, including anticipated salaries, annual job growth, and even active job listings through the Career Concourse portal.
$55k
Collab. Elementary Teacher Estimated Entry Salary
$65k
Collab. Elementary Teacher Estimated Median Salary
Estimated salary and employment information based on labor market data provided by Career Concourse and is intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries and employment outcomes vary based on factors such as experience, location, industry, and employer and are not guaranteed upon degree completion.
Admissions & Aid
A career in education is an investment in your future — and Athens State University works to make that investment accessible.
Athens State University offers the lowest tuition of any public, four-year university in Alabama, giving future educators an affordable path to a bachelor’s degree. With flexible learning options, dedicated faculty, and support designed around students’ needs, you can prepare for your teaching career without putting your financial future on hold.
Students may also qualify for financial aid, scholarships, and other assistance to help make their education more affordable.
Why Choose This Program at Athens State?
Today’s elementary classrooms are diverse. With the B.S.Ed. in Elementary/Collaborative Education, you’ll develop strategies for differentiating instruction, supporting individual learners, creating inclusive environments, and helping every student find a path to success.
Get Hands-On Experience
You won’t spend your entire degree learning about teaching from a textbook. Field experiences and clinical preparation give you opportunities to observe, practice, and apply your skills in real educational settings.
Invest in Your Future The Smart Way
Athens State University is committed to providing an affordable, high-quality education. As Alabama’s most affordable public, state university, we give you the opportunity to earn a degree while making a smart investment in your future, without unnecessary debt.
Learn from Experienced Faculty
Our faculty combine academic excellence with real-world business experience, bringing current industry practices into every course. At Athens State, you’re not facing the journey alone — our dedicated, knowledgeable faculty and staff walk alongside you each step of the way, providing personalized guidance and support.
Our Faculty
Related Articles
*Average completion time varies by student and depends on prior credits
transferred to Athens State and the number of courses taken per semester.
Please consult with your Student Success Coach and faculty advisor for your personalized plan of study.