I was slightly nervous about today, but, all things considered, it went fairly well. I re-introduced myself to the 5th period class of Welding and Fabrication, consisting of 15 junior and senior level boys. They were excited at my return, but surprised that I would be in charge of their class instead of Mr Schmidt. When I came to the school mid-week last week to help out with state degree paperwork, apparently, even though I was excited to be back student teaching, I wasn't very positive. Or at least, some of the students felt like they were getting a negative vibe from me. I really tried to be more cheerful, and the students noticed. I also realized that I'm much more calm about letting the students complete their own work on their own time now than I was before. However, the students are able to actually weld and work on projects already partly completed, unlike back in September when we were primarily going through safety videos and tests. I noticed more than once that the atmosphere of the classroom is different than before. Students are quite wary to approach me and instead search out Mr Schmidt, so instead, I approach them when I see they are nearing the point where they would turn in a weld, look over it with them, then approach Mr Schmidt for an agreement of my assessment. He requested I do such until I become more comfortable being in the shop, which is understandable - but I'm going to work on assessing welds better by researching it a bit as I'm out of practice.

My computer is still not set up for me. It was supposed to be ready before I left in September. In fact, all the computers in the classroom were supposed to be set up and ready for use by Homecoming - they are still not ready. This is definitely frustrating, but I have compromised by scheduling the library computer lab when my class needs it. 

Successfully made copies today, which is a plus. The obnoxious part was that a teacher came in making the harsh accusation of: "what are you doing?" as if I were a student in a room I was not supposed to be in. Instead of being sharp or sarcastic like I potentially could have, I was professional and introduced myself as the recent student teacher in the Ag program with Don Schimdt. He was still apprehensive, but I brushed it off and continued making my copies and went back to my department for further preparations for my Intro to Ag class during 4th period tomorrow.

Interacting with some of the students has been really good so far. All of the FFA officers remember me and are overjoyed at my return. Others are still a bit unsure how to approach me, but I'm working through it and engaging them in conversation. During the break I was able to print out an attendance sheet with the students pictures so that I have a refresher before seeing them in person. This has been super helpful because when I see them, I am able to address them by name - they are quite surprised, but in a good way.