No teachers, no problem in Antioch

While Hillcrest Elementary School teachers hit the books Wednesday, second-graders took over their teaching duties.

The Antioch elementary school launched The Show Must Go On, an alternative to bringing in dozens of substitutes while classroom teachers attended mandatory professional-development classes.

"The idea came out of a need," said Mary Gunther, Antioch Elementary District 34 math curriculum specialist. "There are not enough half-day subs, the teachers need training and the kids need to learn."

Reading, math and music activity centers were set up in classrooms and students spent about 20 minutes at each station. Specialized teachers and administrators supervised and taught while second-graders took over as peer helpers for first-grade students.

Hillcrest is a kindergarten and first-grade school with one and a half second-grade classes. Because of the small number of second-graders, administrators decided to let them "teach."

"It feels good to be a teacher," said second-grader Alexis Davis, who led a reading group.

The program was a nice change for staff members, too. Lorissa Francioni, a computer-lab instructor who ran a math game, said she enjoyed being able to do something different with students.

Hillcrest Principal Dawn Benaitis said this year she has received many parent concerns about teachers being out so much for professional development. Although substitute teachers do a great job, parents have told her, it's just not the same for a student.

"Research shows kids learn best from each other," Benaitis said. "This really is a win-win for everyone in our school."

Benaitis said Wednesday's exercise was a test program and could set the tone for the rest of the year and future years when classroom teachers attend training.

Gunther said the program might also be expanded to other schools in District 34.

Second-grader Abby Bicanic spent the afternoon working as a village-center leader.

"I'm walking around seeing if the kids are doing what they are supposed to do," Abby said. "They keep coming up to me and asking if they can use the bathroom. I tell them I'll think about it."