For most of Mike Goodwin’s life, Taft Union High School has played a major role. He graduated from TUHS in 1991 and the current school year marks his 23rd year of teaching at his alma mater. In 2009, he became the full-time social science teacher at the Oil Technology Academy. He has the unique opportunity to teach the same group of students from their sophomore through their senior year. This allows him to observe the students as they grow and mature through their educational journey. He is blessed with the experience of teaching and building relationships with the same students for three straight years. Mike additionally serves as the faculty advisor for the Academy's chapter of the American Association of Drilling Engineers (the only high school chapter in the county). Mike is also the boys golf coach.

After high school, Mike received an associate degree from Taft College before transferring to California State University, Bakersfield. While at CSUB, he earned degrees in both social science and special education. He also has a master's in education from the University of Concordia, Irvine. Mike has been married for 19 years to his wife Jennifer and they have two boys, Davis, 16, and Bryce, 12. The Goodwin family is very active and spends as much time as possible outdoors or watching their boys participate in sports.