It’s a sunny day in September and you’re on your way to science class. As soon as students walk into her fun classroom they sees a bright smile and hears a bubbly voice singing some random silly song. As that is going on she continues to tell stories about her life that sound like they came out of a movie. The one bringing the happy energy is biology teacher Ms. Gail Case.

“I’ve always been considered a Positive Pollyanna,” Case said. “Sometimes that can be annoying, but I think it is an awesome thing because if I might come in in a bad mood every day or really serious it’s not as nice for the kids to be around and even if I don’t feel that way I need to fake it until I can make it. I normally truly am a positive bubbly person.”

Case says she has always wanted to be a teacher since she was little. Growing up her opinion never swayed.

 “Ever since kindergarten [I’ve wanted to be a teacher], “ she said, “ and I have never changed my mind.”

Although Ms. Case says she loves being a teacher at New Albany High School, she wasn’t always teaching high school students. Ms. Case has also taught elementary and middle students as well. Of course, that caused a big jump in lesson planning, the maturity and responsibility of kids, and much more.

 “The kids have matured more and act better,” Ms. Case said.

It can be very difficult for new teachers to come into a school and find their way; but Ms. Case was super excited to start teaching at NAHS. When talking about her first day in the classroom, she brought up how joyful and lucky she was to be starting her career as a Bulldog.

“How lucky I was to have the opportunity because I’ve taught at the elementary level, the middle school level, and now hopefully ending my career at the high school level,” Ms. Case said. “I’m really excited and I still am every day. “

While Ms. Case is usually an excited and upbeat person she says there can be ups and downs, it can be hard to stay positive often times.

“The job is always hard, but it’s so rewarding. Yes, sometimes it’s hard to not break down when I feel like it but, sometimes I need to also show that I’m human – I have feelings and I want kids, people, colleges, and families to know that I have feelings. So if I need to cry a little, I’ll cry a little. But I would express my emotions and share my feelings. “

Case says she tries to find the balance.

“When I have that stress I always try to remember the reason I love what I do is because of the kids and we all have bad days,” Case said. “So I definitely get stressed. Today I was stressed. But I always try to apologize and let the kids know that I’m human because we’re all human whether we’re high school age or 53 like me, we all have stress and we need to be kind and think about others before we go raging. “

In the midst of the pressure at school it is difficult to prioritize work while having a personal life as well. Ms. Case commented on balancing work and a personal life at the same time.

“It’s not always easy, but I try to focus on my family and friends when I’m away from school, but I still get excited when I see students like out in public, at the store, or anywhere. So sometimes it’s hard to draw that line, but I still wouldn’t  change it,” said Ms. Case.

When not in the classroom, Ms. Case enjoys reading and spending time at her relaxation spot Patoka Lake.

“[The  perfect day off of work would be] sitting on my porch at my camp at Patoka and I’m reading a book,” Case said.

Whilst she is taking on the mental toll of the school year she takes a second to recognize that her students have pressure put on them as well. She tries to create a fun learning environment that isn’t stress oriented.

“I try to always incorporate fun even in my lessons, like having a random fact on my board along with my learning objectives. The way I remember things that I found helps other students at the high school, is I relate it back to something it reminds me of that I’m more familiar with; like maybe a phospholipid is easier for me to remember as Squidward on Spongebob and ways to remember things in fun ways and never to take myself too seriously. “

While stress is a big part of her day and times she feels overwhelmed, it is a big part of her character to stay positive. Ms. Case commented how building a close relationship with the students and having a sparkle in her plays a big role in her classroom.

“That is the only thing I ever want to do is to impact kids in a positive way,” Ms. Case said. “Because I’ve been teaching so long I’ve had students and I’ve had their parents in class and the fact that their parents know me and still have good memories. Any way I can help them, help kids, and their families even. It’s the best part of my job.”

Case says life as a teacher is way more fun when you have your bucket full of happiness and bubbly energy. Being a spirited teacher and person is something that makes Ms. Case’s day better. For her, it makes everything worth it.

“That is probably one of my favorite things to hear [when students say they love her. ],” Ms. Case said. “I’m not here to just teach, and just to be a body, and just to teach a subject I’m here to help kids, communicate with them, and build positive relationships  that hopefully last forever.”