Math teacher Lauren Heinrich had her first child, Kennedy Mae Heinrich, during the spring break April 6. Heinrich is on maternity leave for the remainder of the school year.

Heinrich said that she has been preparing for the day she would go on maternity leave, so she gave substitute teacher Anastasia Kokiousis all of the materials required to teach her classes in advance.

“My goal was to provide my long-term substitute with lesson plans, tests and everything she would need to complete the school year. On my last day of teaching before the break, I felt comfortable that I had prepared my classes for the transition and they would all be in good hands,” Heinrich said.

Kokiousis will teach Heinrich’s classes for the remainder of the semester.

“I am the permanent sub for Heinrich’s classes. I started two weeks ago and I will be here until the end of the year,” Kokiousis said.

Kokiousis said that while she will be using the materials Heinrich provided her, she will incorporate her own teaching style.

“I will be doing mostly the same things as Lauren Heinrich –– I am going to be giving all of the worksheets, tests and quizzes the way she did –– but I will be teaching in my method. I do have a teaching credential, so I have a certain style that I teach,” Kokiousis said

Before Heinrich left, she met with Kokiousis to help prepare her to take over the classes.

“She pretty much told me to do the things how I usually do things; she gave me tips on different ways to run the class and different ways to teach certain materials,” Kokiousis said.

Heinrich will return to Oak Park for the 2018-19 school year.

“I am planning on taking off the rest of the school year and returning in the fall,” Heinrich said.

Heinrich said that having a baby changed her view on the world, as well as her responsibilities.

“Having a baby definitely changes your life and outlook,” Heinrich said. “Our daily routines have certainly changed. Our main focus is now Kennedy.”