The requirement of taking a math course every year can be tough for students who aren’t mathematically inclined. These students spend their high school years struggling to keep up, getting bogged down with work they don’t understand and just skating by.

However, some are lucky enough to have a teacher who can make their least favorite subject fun and engaging. Here at WJ, a great example is math teacher Michael Laukaitis.

Laukaitis, born in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, has also lived and taught in Poland and Malaysia. Students can get a glimpse into Laukaitis’ interests and hobbies when sitting in his classroom; posters cover the walls, displaying his love for music, cars and travel.

Laukaitis’ teaching journey has a unique beginning. He was originally an engineering major but discovered his love of teaching through tutoring his peers in math. History was his first choice, but he realized pursuing a career in math made more sense because he already had so many credits in this subject. 

Laukaitis believes in constantly putting in full effort as a teacher. He always makes himself available for extra help at lunch and wants to give his students the best opportunity for success.

“That’s part of the job… you go extra hard to get it done,” Laukaitis said. Students need to be able to rely on their teacher to be there for them.”

Through teaching nearly every math class available, Laukaitis has adjusted his teaching style to meet the needs of his students over the years. 

“I’m able to anticipate where students are going to struggle… I’ve streamlined some of my lessons to be less wordy and more to the point,” Laukaitis said.

These lessons Laukaitis has learned have allowed him to connect with students on a personal level. Because students can relate to him, Laukaitis is approachable. Students feel comfortable discussing challenging topics with him in a laid-back manner.

One student who has felt a positive impact from Laukaitis’ class is former AP Calculus AB student, senior Henry Healey. Healey and Laukaitis connect over their shared passion for the Baltimore Orioles and Ravens. 

“He’s very easygoing and easy to talk to, so he takes away from the stress of that very difficult class,” Healey said.

Despite having taught for 30 years and spending 25 as a Wildcat, Laukaitis is still constantly learning with his fellow teachers.

“Every single day, we’re texting each other, trying different angles, trying different ways to make students have a different view of something,” Laukaitis said.

Laukaitis hasn’t had other teachers to rely on during his venture into AP Calculus BC. He took over after the previous Calculus BC teacher Inyong Choi retired at the end of last year.

“I’m going at it alone… I don’t have a teammate so everything’s being written by me,” Laukaitis said. “All the decisions, the calendars [and] making sure I’m keeping the class on track.”

Adding Calculus BC to Laukaitis’ course load hasn’t changed his entertaining teaching style and consistent availability. 

“[Laukaitis] is really funny,” current Calculus BC student Clara Frank said. “[He] has a loud and lively voice and is always open and willing to help.”

The excitement of taking on this new role outweighs the challenges for Laukaitis. He wants to take this opportunity to make the BC program his own and as enriching as possible.

“I felt like a lot of students might have been missing out on the BC experience,” Laukaitis said. “My goal this year is to try to provide safety for students.”