Gillian Collons

Middle school English teacher, Judson MLit, UIUC, DIY, & dog-lover

[Gillian Collons @mrscollons]

@MPHaddix 6th graders just finished Uprising as part of a historical fiction book club. Enjoyed the plot, the style, and the perspectives. We learned a lot about The Triangle Shirtwaist Factory and its working conditions. Thanks!

[Gillian Collons @mrscollons]

@RutaSepetys 6th graders read BSoG, SttS, and IMBY, and we are SO IMPRESSED. We appreciate your thorough research and the historical accuracy. We had many emotions as we read. Thank you for writing such incredible books!! 5 stars all around!

[Gillian Collons @mrscollons]

@alexandratdiaz We just finished reading The Only Road & The Crossroad. As students from Guatemala, it was amazing & inspiring to read about other immigrant students who had so much trouble learning English and making it to the US. THANK YOU for sharing these stories with us!

[Gillian Collons @mrscollons]

@RobBuyea 6th graders finished BoMT as our class read aloud. Have you ever considered making this into a TV show or movie?! Question: Did you have a teacher like Mr. Terupt growing up? Was that an inspiration? What about the different characters - were you like any of them?

[Gillian Collons @mrscollons]

@LoisLowryWriter Hi! Our 6th-grade class just finished The Giver and loved it! We are eager to compare it to the film next week, BUT - we're curious to know what happened to Jonas and Gabriel?! Do they make it?! THANK YOU, MS. LOWRY!

[Gillian Collons @mrscollons]

@JamesLSwanson 6th graders in Elmhurst, IL just finished CLK. We debated whether or not Booth was a cold-hearted killer or a patriot, and whether or not he accomplished his goal. What do you think?!

[Gillian Collons @mrscollons]

@RSHS212 Ah. Sorry!! Just now seeing the original post from which this came!! I didn’t attend, sorry

[Gillian Collons @mrscollons]

Has anyone attended PD by Joel Clements, 6-12 ELA teacher? Author of "Strengthening Students' Writing Skills While Significantly Decreasing Grading Time (Grades 6-12)". Struggling to find information... THANKS!

[Gillian Collons @mrscollons]

@RSHS212 Sorry… to what are you referring?

[Gillian Collons @mrscollons]

@RobBuyea HI! 6th grade class here. Qs about Because of Mr. Terupt: how did you think of the concept of dollar words? Did you make a list before/during writing the novel? Did you always know Terupt would be a dollar word / did you create his name for that purpose? EAGER TO HEAR!

[Gillian Collons @mrscollons]

@Xfinity my xfinity stream app is NOT working - I’ve rebooted, checked connection, uninstalled and reinstalled … any advise? 🤔🤔

[Gillian Collons @mrscollons]

@avi3writer 6th graders just finished TTCCD. Is there a sequel!? If not, we want one! What/who inspired you to write this?! Is Charlotte based off of anyone in real life?

[Gillian Collons @mrscollons]

@RutaSepetys WOW. Moving. Inspirational. Heartbreaking. This opened our eyes to a piece of history we didn't know much about. Thank you! -6th graders in Elmhurst, IL

[Gillian Collons @mrscollons]

Me being overly excited and awkward as I fan-girled meeting @WendelinVanD Thanks for sharing your inspirations and for your ray of energy and excitement for your passion! Fabulous!!!

[Gillian Collons @mrscollons]

@marypearson 6th graders in Elmhurst, IL loved "The Adoration of Jenna Fox." So many twists and turns! How did you think of Ethan?! Our class, too, hates dissecting sentences ;) Excited to read the next one!

[Gillian Collons @mrscollons]

@LoisLowryWriter Thank you for GIVING us the pleasure of reading "The Giver" - 6th graders in Elmhurst, IL just finished and wondering YOUR interpretation of the ending. We loved Gabriel and all the suspense & details you shared. THANKS!

[Gillian Collons @mrscollons]

@FairmontKeaLani 🌬️

[Gillian Collons @mrscollons]

@Author_Cisneros We just finished reading Efren Divided aloud in 6th grade. We need a sequel! We reflected on your purpose for writing this, our insights about immigration, and what would happen to each character if there was another book. THANK YOU!

[Gillian Collons @mrscollons]

I cannot wait to meet you this spring at Churchville Middle School, @WendelinVanD I have so so so much to say and plenty of questions! Didn’t want this to end. Absolutely LOVED it. Thank you for this important, raw, real story #wearechurchville #forwardtogetherd205

[Gillian Collons @mrscollons]

@RobBuyea 6th graders in Elmhurst, IL absolutely love and adore Mr. Terupt!! Thank you for teaching us that everyone has a story and not to make assumptions about others. You really never know what others are going through until you walk in their shoes. THANK YOU!!

[Gillian Collons @mrscollons]

@ClaireHartfield 6th graders in Elmhurst, IL just finished "A Few Red Drops." Living in IL, the Chicago Race Riots hit close to home. Thanks for teaching us about the Chicago Race Riot in many different perspectives. You inspired us to remember that race doesn't matter. THANKS