Dr. Jolie Burns-Casey To Retire After 30 Years At EPCHS

EVERGREEN PARK, IL - When she graduated in 1987, little did Jolie Burns-Casey know that she’d soon be back in the halls at 99th and Kedzie. In 1995, Burns-Casey was given the opportunity to join the softball coaching and teaching staff at Evergreen Park Community High School. Eager to accept the position, Burns-Casey’s role shifted from student to alum, to coach and teacher. Now Burns-Casey’s role is about to shift once again. This time, she’s hanging up her hat to retire after 30 years of teaching in the classroom. Through her multiple roles, Burns-Casey has obviously left an impression on the halls of EPCHS.

Looking back, Burns-Casey admits that her educational career really started at EPCHS. Much like the Educational Internship course offered today, Burns-Casey was a student aide in the Prevocational Lab. The lab provided hands-on vocational training for students with disabilities. It was there that she formed a connection with Roy Marchert.

Burns-Casey stated, “I consider Roy to be my mentor. He encouraged me to declare my major in special education. Through the years, we’ve stayed connected.” Upon graduating in 1987, Burns-Casey enrolled at Illinois State University. After completing her B.S. in 1990, Burns-Casey, earned a master’s degree in Educational Administration.

In 1992, Burns-Casey eagerly embarked on her teaching career. After accepting positions in nearby communities, Burns-Casey got a call from legendary softball coach Marilyn Wax. In 1995, she was hired as a teacher and assistant softball coach by D231. Burns-Casey said, “Coaching softball afforded me the opportunity to know more students outside of the special education classroom and thus influencing a larger percentage of the student population.”

Long before the days of online learning was a possibility, Burns-Casey sought an advanced degree from Northern Illinois University (NIU). To fulfill her commitments, Burns-Casey coached the softball team in the morning, taught her EP students during the day, drove 65 miles to DeKalb, IL, sat through 3 hours of a graduate class, and then drove the 65 miles back to EP. Fondly she recalls, “My dad used to wait up for me. When I got home, we’d watch reruns of the TV series “Mad About You.”

Fellow colleague Ruth Bittorf, also a member of the special education department and Burns-Casey were both starting families at the same time. Hesitant to lose their expertise, D231 approached the pair with a unique idea. It was proposed that they split their time by sharing a teaching position.

Burns-Casey commented, “I’m thankful that the administration was able to think outside of the box and support such a progressive idea.” Bittorf taught classes three days a week while Burns-Casey worked the other two. For 13 years, the duo shared a teaching position. Through their collaborative efforts for those 13 years they provided seamless instruction to the pupils of EPCHS.

Now at the end of her career, Burns-Casey came across decades of old yearbook photos. What started as a kind gesture has grown into her current mission. Among the yearbook photos, she discovered close to 50 baby pictures of graduates from the 90’s. Her goal is to return those precious photos to the graduates and their families. Burns-Casey admits, “Without names on the back of the baby pictures, this project has required some serious detective work.” As a committee member of the upcoming EPCHS All-Class School Reunion, Burns-Casey has been organizing thousands of these yearbook photos. With the help of others, Burns-Casey has already named 473 former graduates. The committee hopes that EP alums will join the festivities at Bourbon Street on February 28, 2026, to claim their envelope of memories.

In retirement, Burns-Casey plans to travel and play pickleball as much as possible. She wishes to thank the EPCHS community for their support and compassion over the years.