$270
Tuition Cost per Credit
2 years
Average Completion*
See the Possibilities in Every Student
Every student learns differently. Great teachers understand that — and know how to turn differences into opportunities for growth.
The Bachelor of Science in Education in Collaborative Special Education (K–6) at Athens State University prepares you to support elementary students with exceptional learning needs while working collaboratively with families, general education teachers, specialists, and other professionals.
You’ll develop the knowledge, instructional strategies, and practical experience needed to create inclusive learning environments, adapt instruction to individual students, and help every learner make meaningful progress. Because sometimes the most important thing a teacher can give a student is someone who believes in what they can do.
Program Overview
Students don’t all learn in the same way—and effective special education teachers know how to recognize and respond to those differences. The Collaborative Special Education (K–6) program prepares you to work with elementary students with exceptional learning needs while developing the skills necessary to collaborate within inclusive educational environments.
You’ll study special education practices alongside foundational concepts in elementary education, learning how to assess student needs, develop and implement individualized instruction, adapt curriculum, manage learning environments, and monitor student progress. You’ll also learn the importance of collaboration. Today’s special educators work closely with general education teachers, families, administrators, counselors, therapists, and other professionals to create stronger educational experiences for students.
Through field and clinical experiences, you’ll have opportunities to apply what you learn with real students in authentic educational settings.
Program Details
The Collaborative Special Education (K–6) curriculum combines specialized special education preparation with an understanding of elementary teaching and learning.
Your coursework will explore areas such as:
- Exceptional Learners — Develop an understanding of students with disabilities and other exceptional learning needs, including their strengths, challenges, and educational considerations.
- Special Education Instruction — Learn evidence-based strategies for providing meaningful and effective instruction to students with diverse learning needs.
- Assessment & Evaluation — Develop skills for using assessment data to identify student needs, measure progress, and inform instruction.
- Individualized Instruction — Learn how to adapt curriculum, instruction, materials, and learning environments to support individual students.
- Classroom Management — Develop positive behavioral and classroom management strategies that create supportive learning environments.
- Elementary Education — Build knowledge of the subjects, teaching methods, and developmental considerations relevant to elementary learners.
- Collaboration & Consultation — Learn how educators, families, specialists, and other professionals can work together to support student success.
- Family & Community Partnerships — Understand the important role families and communities play in the educational development of students with exceptional needs.
- Assistive & Educational Technology — Explore tools and technologies that can increase access to learning and support student independence.
- Transition & Student Support — Examine strategies for helping students develop academic, social, and life skills as they progress through their education.
- Field & Clinical Experiences — Gain hands-on experience applying your knowledge in authentic educational environments.
Special education is rarely a solo effort. You’ll learn not only how to teach students with exceptional learning needs, but how to become an effective member of the team supporting them.
Your Career Advantage Starts Here
Students with exceptional learning needs benefit from educators who combine specialized knowledge with patience, creativity, advocacy, and collaboration. As a collaborative special education teacher, you’ll have the opportunity to work directly with students while also helping create stronger partnerships between schools, families, and support professionals.
Your work can influence far more than academic achievement. You can help students develop independence, confidence, communication skills, social connections, and a belief in their own potential.
Explore your career pathways with the B.S.Ed. in Collaborative Special 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 Collaborative Special 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
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*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.