Five students from Maranatha Baptist University (MBU) recently participated in a field trip to Zachariah’s Acres, a faith-based organization in Oconomowoc dedicated to connecting children with special needs and their families to nature. The organization operates a 175-acre farm and depends on volunteers to guide visitors through various wildlife and agricultural activities.
The visit was part of the EDSP 300—Inclusive Classroom Strategies for Exceptional Students course at MBU. During the trip, the students led activities at one of Zachariah’s Acres’ stations, helping guests—including those with disabilities—make paper plate pumpkins, complete worksheets, read books about fall, and interact with caregivers. The experience also provided MBU students with an opportunity to serve the local community.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, approximately 7.5 million public school students received special education or related services during the 2022-23 academic year, representing about 15 percent of all public school students. The move toward inclusive classrooms accelerated following federal legislation such as the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 and its successor, the Every Student Succeeds Act. This shift has increased demand for qualified teachers amid ongoing teacher shortages.
MBU Dean of the School of Education Dr. Tad Nuce stated, “Students pursuing a K-9 Elementary Education license can add the SPED license with an additional 12 credits, graduating with two Wisconsin teaching licenses—Elementary Education and Special Education—which makes them especially prepared for any classroom.” He also highlighted that “The MBU first-time pass rate for the FoRT (190) [Foundations of Reading] is an impressive 95.6%.” Dr. Nuce added, “We are seeing a number of students receiving scholarships from prospective employers before their final year and student teaching.”
Assistant Professor Megan Haynes shared feedback from Zachariah’s Acres staff: “The organizer told me that she had heard great things about the station that MBU students were running. She said one parent told her that those ladies are all ready to be teachers.”
Senior Hallelujah Bradshaw reflected on her experience working with individuals with special needs during the field trip: she described it as “thrilling” and said that “the biggest draw about the MBU education program is the opportunities it provides to get involved in classrooms and experiences such as Zachariah’s Acres.” Bradshaw noted that these experiences have “prepared me to adapt to the needs and challenges.”
