INVERNESS, Fla. — For many kids, math isn't an easy subject to learn.

But this week's A+ Teacher is taking kids from hating math to loving it.

At first glance, it looks and sounds like normal high school geometry at Citrus High School.

But what you feel inside Eugene Gagne's Inverness classroom is extraordinary as he lives and breathes for his students. 

“Me seeing them is awesome," Gagne said of his students. "I come in, and I just can’t wait until the next day. I don’t care what day it is, happy Friday or it’s a Monday, that doesn’t matter. Just come into work. We call it work, and I get paid to do this, but it’s not even work.

"It’s being with the students. That’s what it’s all about, so they make me happy just being here.”

Happiness, pride and the awesome power of positivity.

It’s the primary lesson Gagne exemplifies and then passes on to his students.

He calls class "a math community and a safe haven."

Visual reminders are everywhere in his classroom, especially “the wall of positivity," featuring posters with uplifting quotes and student work on display.

“A key point is respect. each and every student I greet them at the door,” Gagne said. “Welcome to class this morning, folks. Love to see you. I am so happy you’re here. It makes them feel wanted because that’s what it’s all about.”

Mr. G, as his students call him, said his time as a Marine helped shape his teaching style. he’s showing kids discipline and respect and never giving up.

“So they’ll do the work for me," he said. "They’ll try to do the math. they’ll struggle, but if you have to be patient and I tell them, look, I’ll work with each individual student if I have to, but I don’t want to leave any person behind. no student will be left behind.”