Welcome back from spring break! While you and the rest of the N.C. State student body were spending last week on the beaches of this nation, student teachers at our University were still in front of their classes teaching away — we did not have our spring break.

But last week was an important week in the journey of this student teacher. For me, I was evaluated by my University Supervisor for the third time. It was after this observation that I had my mid-semester review as a student teacher.

The mid-semester review is important because of what it entails. The review consists of not only yourself and the University supervisor, but also your cooperating teacher. All three of us sat down and discussed my performance thus far instructing the students and being a professional educator. This conference took slightly more than an hour to complete as we went over the review point sheet, which has a total of 180 points. After my review I stood with 141 points — a respectable score for the mid-semester review.

This review was a good opportunity for me to see an overall picture of where I am as a student teacher and where I need to improve. Looking back now, a week later, I already notice improvement in some areas.

However, the review alone was not the only big thing that happened last week.

Last Monday, I became a ‘full-time’ teacher — teaching all three classes during the day. This change from two classes to three changed my perspective; having to plan for and teach all classes was more tiring and in depth than I had expected.

I have been a substitute teacher for the last two and a half years and I thought I was ready to be in front of the classroom all day everyday, but little did I realize that student teaching and actually being the person planning and in charge was nothing like being a substitute teacher.

Teaching is hard work, but work worth doing. Looking back on the last week I know those afternoons of coming home worn out are worth it. I feel as if I have made some positive connections with students. This is what teaching is about, and while I realize that I’m in the infancy stage of being a teacher, I’m amazed at the potential for a positive impact I can make with students.

This week has started off as last week left off — lots of work, tired feet and little time. However, as I focus on the positives, I see this week has provided me with the opportunity to further reach out into the lives of students, teach them new concepts and see the light bulbs go off.

It’s clear to me that the positives significantly out weigh the negatives. I can only wait to see what the next week of being a full teacher will bring, and it’s that unknown that makes me want to get up and go to school every morning.