Brian Goodman, AICE Math and Geometry Honors teacher, has been teaching at Jupiter High School for 17 years. He’s known for his comedic personality and his strive to make math more enjoyable. 

Goodman left New York City to attend college at Arizona State University. Moving from the East to the West coast allowed him to emerge himself into a diverse group of people, which helped shape his outlook on the world. 

“I got a bigger perspective of the country,” Goodman said. “[It taught me] the way you do things is so miniscule on the scale of the world.”

Outside of teaching, Goodman likes to stay active by going to the gym, playing basketball and spending time at Disney World with his family. 

“Disney is the kind of place where if you have a problem with your kids crying, you’re the problem,” Goodman said. 

Goodman’s desire to be a teacher started from being kicked out of his fifth grade math class for telling his teacher negative numbers do, in fact, exist. Instead of being punished, he was asked to share his concept with a second grade class. 

“Math always came easily. I could do most subjects pretty well, but I could be excellent at math,” Goodman said. 

Goodman’s approach to math begins with establishing a relationship with each of his students. By conversing with students on topics they are familiar with, it allows him to make a connection with common interests. 

“You have to make them interested,” Goodman said. “I try to bring in real life applications to make it entertaining.”  

Jack Molback, junior, is often referred to in class as ‘Jacky boy’ by Goodman. 

“It is very fun talking to him about basically anything that happens in class,” Molback said. “My favorite part of the relationship between him and his students are the different nicknames he calls us.”

Being able to change students’ perspectives on such a tedious subject, is a skill Goodman has mastered. 

“I never had any strong opinions on math. It was never my most or least favorite,” Molback said. “I certainly like it more than I used to, due to the way Mr. Goodman teaches.”

Ashley Fykes, sophomore, enjoys having Goodman as her AICE math teacher and has started to enjoy math more.

“Mr. Goodman is really funny and a really good teacher, so he makes math actually pretty interesting,” Fykes said.

When asking students what their favorite thing is about Goodman, they said the way he makes an extra effort to make sure every student’s voice is heard. 

“He engages with everyone and makes sure everyone has a voice and feels included,” Lucas Kirkman, junior, said. “Even the students who are usually quiet and keep to themselves feel comfortable enough to express themselves. Mr. Goodman creates a friendly and judgment-free environment.”

Around school you will hear Goodman’s students quoting Goodman’s saying, “self-starter.” Being a self-starter is one of qualities Goodman strongly believes will bring his students’ success.

“The three things needed in this class [AICE Math] to be successful are being a self-starter, having strong Algebra II skills and having the ability to critically think,” Goodman said.

Goodman welcomes all students willing to work hard and improve their math skills.