How Has Time Passed so Quickly?

We are so close to being done with the fall semester, it's quite sad. I have thoroughly enjoyed being in class.
I can not stress this enough. Being prepared is so important. There is no such thing as being over-prepared. I feel like I constantly repeat myself saying this, but there is so much being-the-scenes work that goes into teacher it would have never occurred to me before this class why we as teachers are doing what we do/will do.
Let my further explain what is behind the scenes. I will be talking about North Carolina, because I haven't needed to research other states at the moment. There are the state's requirements of what is to be taught to the students by a certain date. Of course as teachers we must teach everything, but in what order? There is a purpose to every lesson taught. There first must be an assessment to understand where the class as a whole is in their understanding of the content. From knowing what they know is where the lesson plan starts taking place. The greatest thing is to connect their knowledge. For example, in math students need to know how to add before they can multiply. Multiplication has addition in solving the problem. When they have a greater understanding of adding, then moving onto multiplying is easier for them to connect with what they know. Of course as a teacher I must make sure each individual understands what they are being taught. I can review any worksheets handed out to them to see how well they are doing, or what isn't clicking with them. I can make sure they are able to explain to me effectively the content. Once they are all comfortable with the lesson and what they are doing, I will move on to the next step in the lessons.
Time management is life for any teacher. There are always deadlines we must meet.
I will admit, I have gone into my theater club not having a clear plan in mind. And when that happens, the students can tell instantly. They will act out just because they know there's no reason to be on task. And that is a huge mistake on my part. Mostly because my time management skills are all over the place, but slowly improving. Now I have a clear vision for them. We started off with silly little games to teach them teamwork and how to express different characters, things, or emotions they were giving. Want to know what I found out about myself? I was unconsciously evaluating their skills for drama. I didn't realize this until this afternoon. I was asked to help write my students into a play they will be participating in for Christmas. I knew exactly how many lines each should have, the abilities they would be able to do to enhance the play, the characters they would do well with, how well they took direction, and if they were able to memorize. I can't believe I knew all that! I haven't even held auditions yet, which will be this coming Monday. I have the ability in me to do so many great things in the classroom, but I was never letting myself come near my potential. I'm going to work on that part.
As I have a clear direction now in my class to what the students are working towards now and for spring, I have such a better understanding what needs to be done from me to get my students ready. I'm so excited.