Pike County High School math teacher Michael Green was “surprised, actually, flabbergasted,” Monday when the entire senior class chose to honor him during Teacher Appreciation Week.

“I was flabbergasted when the students walked in with a poster thanking me,” Green said. “I was honored and very appreciative. I consider myself an average teacher so to be recognized by our seniors was humbling. I follow the model my teachers showed me. I’m not here for the money. I’m here for the students.”

Green, a 23-year veteran at PCHS, teaches upper level math classes – algebra, pre-calculus, trigonometry, analytical math and also college math for the Business and Finance Academy.

PCHS Principal Willie Wright said Green is an exemplary teacher and more than deserving of the recognition.

“Mr. Green is a dedicated teacher and truly cares about his students,” Wright said. “He always goes the extra mile to help his students. He’s at school early every morning and stays later in the afternoons. He is always available for students who need extra help. The students work hard for him, and that says a lot about a teacher.”

Green is originally from Satsuma just outside Mobile. He said his goal in life was not to be a math teacher.

“I wanted to be a rocket scientist,” he said, laughing. “But, I’ve always been good at math, and I enjoy working with kids. So, a math teacher was a good fit for me.”

Green graduated from Auburn University in 1988 with a bachelor’s and earned his master’s degree in 1991.

He said, with a smile, that Pike County High School was the first place to offer him a job that paid enough for him to live on.

And, Brundidge was much like Green’s hometown.

“I wanted to live and teach in a small town, and Brundidge is about the size of the town I grew up in,” Green said.

Transportation was also an early consideration for Green. He had an accident on his dad’s pickup truck and had no transportation.

“I had to live close to where I worked,” he said. “I still ride a bicycle to work everyday because I enjoy it.”

Green said most of his time is spent at school so he doesn’t have a lot of time for other interests. The upper level math classes are demanding and Green said he wants to be available to students who need individual instruction.

“I come in early and stay late to make myself available to them,” he said. “I want all my students to be successful and, if they are willing to put in the extra time to be successful, I’m willing to do my part.”

Green’s love of numbers, his love of kids and his love of a small town have kept him at Pike County High School and in Brundidge for 23 years. But, as that magical retirement number 25 looms ever closer, he is thinking about what else is out there for him.

“I love the outdoors,” he said. “I enjoy camping and hiking and I’m considering doing a lot of both. I would really like to hike the Appalachian Trail. That’s a goal.”

And, if the numbers are right for Green’s retirement plans, the 2,100-mile trek will take about six months. And, already, he’s looking forward to the first step of that incredible journey.