From mathematical formula to baby formula

Mike Sciacca

Monica Mendoza went about her daily routine Tuesday, giving direction

and explanation to the sixth-grade students in her morning math class at

Marine View Middle School.

She stood behind an overhead projector setting up a math test for

students, who listened intently as she gave instructions.

It would be the final test she would give her students in the coming

months. Fittingly, it had to do with formulas.

As she stepped from behind the projector, Mendoza revealed what her

students have known for some time -- she is about to have a baby.

While her students might be entertaining thoughts of the upcoming

Christmas holiday, Mendoza was a day away from a holiday of her own --

maternity leave.

The child, another girl, said Mendoza, is the second for she and her

husband, Kenneth. Her due date is Dec. 20.

“But I expect to go sooner than that,” she said of her impending

delivery, her back pain giving her an indication that the time was

nearing. “This is an exciting time for us, but it has been quite

interesting trying to juggle teaching and preparing for the birth of a

baby.”

When she gave birth to her first daughter, she was in the process of

working on her master’s degree. This is the first time that she has had

to take leave from a classroom.

“There was some trepidation at first but this is good timing because

it’s close to the winter break,” said Mendoza, who teaches two math

classes, one language arts class and one social studies class.

As Mendoza swept around her classroom as quickly as a woman in her

condition could, she answered questions some of her students had in

regards to the test. Also on hand this day was the teacher who will fill

in for Mendoza during her absence, Krista Ackerknecht, also known simply

as, “Miss A.”

Ackerknecht will long-term sub for Mendoza until she returns sometime

in February.

Ackerknecht has taught for six years, four as a fifth-grade teacher

and two years at the sixth grade level. She previously has taught at

Village View Elementary School in Huntington Beach. Ackerknecht is in the

midst of a one-year teaching sabbatical while pursuing her master’s

degree in school counseling.

“It felt funny not to be coming back when school started up again in

September,” she said. “I have learned that I miss being around the

children and I miss teaching.”

As Mendoza was giving test instructions Tuesday, Ackerknecht could be

found sitting at a desk among the students.

She began observing Mendoza’s class a week ago, getting to know the

students informally.

“I think it is important to get to know these students while their

regular teacher is still teaching in the classroom,” Ackerknecht said.