Special Tribute

Tobie Brandriss

Tobie Brandriss began her career teaching biology at Hunter College High School in New York City. Committed to the Socratic method of teaching through asking questions, Tobie has always been focused on helping students understand the natural world and the relevance of biology to their lives. Tobie has designed innovative curricula on the national level, as a Sci-Mat Fellow and for NASA and, of course, at SAR High School. As the founding member of SAR High School’s Science Department and the Science Department Chair for many years, Tobie has inspired generations of students, mentored new teachers and created an academically rich and rigorous science program. In 2007, Tobie was recognized by The Covenant Foundation when she received The Covenant Award for Exceptional Jewish Educators. Tobie has always made sure science comes alive in her classroom and laboratory and beyond. She has expanded student curiosity and perspectives by taking them to see live open-heart surgeries, and presentations such as the Ben Gurion University Symposium on Brain Research given at the Harvard Club and other presentations at renowned science institutions in NYC.  She has mentored them in the Jerusalem Science Contest and other events and has invited renowned guest speakers on topics from “Stem Cell research, Cloning, and Jewish law” and “Evolution and Torah – Is there a conflict” to “Exoplanets”.  Students do not forget Ms. Brandriss’ emails brimming with excitement about an eclipse or a live Cam of baby eaglets.

On the national level Tobie was awarded a Sci-Mat Fellowship from the Council on Basic Education/National Science Foundation and her resulting article, "Heroes for our Students", appeared in The American Biology Teacher (1999). In 2003 she was featured in an Education Week article entitled "Bioterrorism: A New Topic in Science Class." Tobie has worked on inquiry-based curriculum projects for the National Association of Biology Teachers, the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study, and NASA/Mt. Sinai School of Medicine. She has presented workshops at national conferences of science educators as well as at the Texas A&M Teacher Academy Project.

Tobie’s approach inspires every SAR student to meet the world with a newfound appreciation for the intricate ways science affects all aspects of life.

Bob Goodman

Bob Goodman taught science at Hunter College High School and North Shore Hebrew Academy for many years before joining SAR High School as a beloved and hands on biology and AP Biology teacher. Students fondly recall their trips to Cold Spring Harbor lab or Mr. Goodman teaching peristalsis while eating a banana standing on his head. Bob developed biology curricula and trained teachers at workshops he presented all over the country. He co-authored two books published by Texas Instruments, “Activities for Algebra With The TI-83” (2001) and Activities for Algebra With The TI-73 (2002). He also co-authored our current 9th grade lab manual with Tobie.

His innovative teaching methods and commitment to hands-on learning have earned him numerous accolades including the Entomological Society of America Award for Secondary Education, the RadioShack National Teacher’s award, a Genentech Access Excellence Fellowship, and a Sci-Mat Fellowship. At North Shore, Bob started the Science Program in the newly forming high school. Bob joined Tobie at SAR High School in 2005 to teach biology and co-chair the Science Department. In the 2007 Advanced Placement Report to the Nation, Bob and SAR High School were cited by the College Board for leading the nation in helping the widest segment of the school population achieve high AP Biology exam scores.

Bob's contributions to SAR extend beyond the science classroom. 

He served as the Director of General Studies for two years when an Administrator unexpectedly took a position elsewhere. Bob has inspired endless SAR students to get their hand up, ask questions, and eventually pursue further science studies.

Together at SAR

As co-chairs of the Science Department, Tobie and Bob have built a rigorous, inquiry-based program that pushes students beyond their comfortable limits. Their dedication to nurturing each student's potential has resulted in numerous achievements: SAR's Science Olympiad team winning multiple championships; Students winning top prizes in international science competitions; Students participating in highly competitive internship programs; Graduates pursuing successful careers in medicine and scientific research.

Their impact extends far beyond academic achievements. Countless alumni have expressed gratitude for the way Tobie and Bob nurtured their passions, believed in their abilities, and inspired them to pursue their dreams.

Tobie and Bob's legacy is one of dedication, innovation, and a profound belief in the potential of every student. We are proud to pay tribute to this amazing couple.