Benjamin Zusman is "healthy, happy, and adorable," according to his mom, Latin teacher Krisanna Zusman. She plans to return to the classroom in November. Photo by Krisanna Zusman

URBANA — A familiar member of the Uni High faculty who has absent since the start of the school year will soon be back in the classroom.

Latin teacher Krisanna Zusman has been on maternity leave to spend time with her new son, Benjamin Zusman. She plans to return on Nov. 12.

Benjamin was born on July 11 at 3:57 p.m. He weighed 6 pounds, 14 ounces and was 20.5 inches long.

His proud mom reports that he is a healthy, happy child with a newly developed talent of putting his fist in his mouth!

She and her husband, Steve Zusman, are enjoying their new life with their son.

"Though he has only been with us for a short time, we couldn't imagine life without him," she says.

Four teachers have been filling in for Zusman while she is away: Amy Norgard, Matthew Brown, Mathias Hanses, and Frances Newman.

Zusman knew her temporary replacements from the classics community here in Champaign-Urbana. She often communicates with them through e-mail and keeps up to date with the progress of the classes.

The substitutes are following Zusman’s lesson plans. She also suggested class activities and homework assignments, but the teachers have the freedom to present the material in any way they wish and to give their own homework assignments and class work.

Here are the teachers who have made sure Uni's Latin classes haven't missed a beat during the first semester.

Latin I: Amy Norgard
Amy Norgard went to college at Marquette University and is currently earning her graduate degree in the U of I classics department. From teaching Greek and Roman mythology at the U of I, she has been well prepared for taking on the Latin I class.

Latin II: Matthew Brown
Matthew Brown went to Wesleyan University for his undergraduate education and now attends the U of I, working on his degree in law. He has taught at a few universities and at the Countryside School in Champaign.

Latin III: Mathias Hanses
From Münster, Germany, Mathias Hanses came to U of I to get a graduate degree in classics after his work in American studies. In addition to teaching at Uni, he also teaches Latin 101 at the U of I and has taught German 101. Hanses has been having a good time at Uni. "I have a lot of brave students, and I am having fun teaching them," he said.

Latin IV: Frances Newman
Frances Newman is a familiar face at Uni, having taught here for 14 years, starting in 1988. She received a Ph.D. in Latin and has brought with her a wealth of experience. She has taught extensively at the college level, including stints at Ohio State, Wabash College, and the U of I classics department.