Collaborative teachers are responsible for providing detailed and developmentally appropriate instruction to students who have cognitive, behavioral, physical, and/or multiple disabilities.
The collaborative teacher is knowledgeable about a variety of subjects and uses a vast range of sound research-based strategies to “individualize” instruction.
The collaborative degree is for candidates who would like to teach students with cognitive, behavioral, physical, and/or multiple disabilities. Collaborative teachers often characterize themselves as nurturing, well-organized, and creative with the ability and desire to lead students to success.
Special Education Degree features include:
- Collaborative certification
- The program includes 13 hours towards a minor/courses to specialize in an area
- Employment in collaborative classrooms including inclusive settings
- Interactive campus and online courses
- Around the clock access to coursework
- Affordable tuition and access to financial aid programs
Major Programs
Major Program
Collaborative Special Education (K-6)
Major Program
Collaborative Special Education (6-12)
Major Program
Elementary/Collaborative (K-6)
Minors and Certificates
Certificate
Autism and Developmental Disabilities
Minor
Early Childhood Special Education Minor
Professional Organizations
Faculty Contact Information
Donna Spencer, PhD
Assistant Professor of Special Education- Phone:(256) 216-6629 Phone:(256) 216-6629
- Email:donna.spencer@athens.edu
- Department:College of Education
- Office:
McCain Hall – Room 220
Nicole Henderson, EdD
Assistant Professor of Special Education- Phone:256-216-6642 Phone:256-216-6642
- Email:Nicole.Henderson@athens.edu
- Department:Special Education Collaborative
- Office:
McCain Hall, Room 216
Ashley Virgin, PhD
Assistant Professor of Special Education- Phone:256-216-6646 Phone:256-216-6646
- Email:Ashley.Virgin@athens.edu
- Department:Special Education Collaborative
- Office:
McCain Hall, Room 220
Professional Backgrounds and Testimonials
Dr. Spencer received her Ph.D. in Special Education from the University of Florida, with a focus on students with social-emotional and behavioral challenges. She has conducted extensive research on the impact of Executive Function on Emotional and Behavioral Disorders (EBD), including identification and treatment of neurocognitive deficits that contribute to self-regulatory failure in students with EBD, and has authored numerous articles and book chapters, presented research findings at national conferences, and has received several awards for her work in this area.
“ Just wanted to say thank you so much for everything you have helped me through over the past few semesters! I have learned more from you than anyone else in my college career and for that I am forever grateful to you! I know 100% I would not have been prepared to tackle that without your guidance! You inspire me in so many ways and I am so thankful for you !! “ – anonymous
“I can’t share enough about my experience at Athens State University! From day one, after I changed majors, I knew that ASU was where I was supposed to be to obtain my B.S.Ed in Secondary Collaborative Education.
One of the most impactful experiences throughout my time at ASU was being able to complete my field experience with students that have moderate to severe disabilities; It completely changed my outlook on students as a whole! The faculty and staff in the College of Education are some of the best educators and care about you, your success, and they take the time to not only teach you, but invest in you in so many different ways. I absolutely cannot say thank you enough to Dr. Donna Piits- she not only invested in my life as a student, but to ensure that I was a professional, loving, and caring educator as well. I know if I ever need anything, she is only a phone call away, and I find that to be true for every instructor in the College of Education! Thank you, Athens State, for preparing me for some of the hardest challenges that I face as an educator of students with disabilities; Because of your program, I face these challenges with a breeze and never feel like I “go to work” one single day!”
Dr. Nicole Henderson is a dedicated educator with over 15 years of experience as a K–12 collaborative special education teacher in Alabama, where she has worked extensively with students across a range of exceptionalities. Dr. Henderson is especially passionate about trauma-informed practices and fostering safe, supportive learning environments. She holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, an Educational Specialist and Master’s degree in Collaborative Special Education K–12, and a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. Currently serving in higher education, she prepares future educators to meet the diverse needs of learners through evidence-based, compassionate instruction. Dr. Henderson presents nationally on a variety of special education topics, including differentiated instruction, secondary transition planning, and trauma-sensitive classrooms, while remaining committed to bridging research and practice in both K–12 and teacher preparation settings.
“Dr. Henderson genuinely cares about her students and ensures they have the tools to succeed beyond her classroom. She goes above and beyond for her students. She is always available and eager to help whenever needed. I feel incredibly fortunate to have had her as a teacher; her mentorship has been invaluable to me.”
“I love the feedback that Dr. Henderson gives! It really made me appreciate Dr. Henderson and the time she took to respond to my assignments. If Dr. Henderson was trying to convey to us the importance of feedback in our own classrooms, she made it a personal lesson for each of us by giving us feedback.”
