3.2
Quality3.9
Difficulty54%
Would Retake83
Reviews54%
Would Retake
83
Reviews
Rating DistributionOfficial
5
41
4
3
3
2
2
3
1
34
What Students Say
“To clarify I am horrendous at English I don't know how to place commas you'll see soon enough”
ENGL-2333 - 5.0 rating“Gillespie is fantastic”
ENGL-2332 - 5.0 ratingClass Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
97%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.78 avg changeRatings by Course
ENGL-2332
3.7
(55)ENGL-2333
2.1
(28)Difficulty by Course
ENGL-2333
4.3
ENGL-2332
3.7
Reviews (83)
Very tough class to get through. Quiz every week it makes or breaks your grade, as well as tests - 2 quarter. Gives little to no feedback on essay's (Which is one of your final grades). Does not accommodate for English second language student don't take her class. Also grades assignments months after the due date, do not take!
Her class is very challenging you have a quiz every week over about 3 readings which are more than like 5 pages, and there's maybe max 5 or 10 questions in the quiz. She doesn't give the best/any feedback on essays. The tests are 50 questions and really hard. Copy and pasted my essay grade to the decimal point.
Does not grade on time. Essays little to no feedback. She does have office hours to ask her about something you did wrong on the essay, but honestly it has so hard because by the time you get your essay back its time to submit the other one.
1. Has bragged and laughed about how hard she made the class. 2. Readings every single day OUTSIDE OF CLASS (52 pages minimum). 3. Is a slow grader. My biggest issue is that despite the fact she hasn't kept up with grading before, yet she made the class harder/added more work and readings which she, most likely, won't be able to keep up with.
She makes the class reading and essay heavy but will also assign presentations, quizzes, discussions (on Canvas), tests, and more.. on top of the 40+ pages of readings that is necessary to be caught up on the class. She wants to make the class hard and is succeeding/taking humor in it.
You can do good on quizzes but the second you mess up on a test, you're done for. Reading heavy - so many readings... and papers. Will give little to no feedback on the essays and grades slowly.
readings every single day, essays never-ending
Lots of lectures. Lots of readings. She's sweet sometimes but will majority of the time be thoughtless in regard to her students' personal lives/time needed to complete assignments.
Too much homework, even for her if you're considering how slow grades come in. I am TIRED. Doesn't give feedback but will mock students' work/essays.
This class was so hard, and bad that I failed with an 60 retook the class with a different teacher and passed with a 97. THIS IS INSANE.
Horrible class, 0 structure besides what she wants in the moment, has no care or consideration for the mental health of her students and will giggle when speaking about how difficult she has made the course. Chooses to teach on AP scale which is weird considering DC and AP are dramatically different. Take if you don't care about your mental health.
She is a great teacher, however, definitely has a lot of readings and work. Though she is a slow grader, she's very thoughtful and sweet. She also helps understand the material better if asked alone.
Doesn't listen to students communicating their struggles. Doesn't compromise to help or try to change the course load. Way too much of everything, Homework, tests, quizzes and readings. Overall worst english class ever taken.
Had her last school year. Horrible professor. Way too much work, heavy on essays. Grades inconsistently. Recommend being her favorite, or watch your grade PLUMMET!!!! If you can, take the course online or over the summer to avoid her.
so many readings, im actually so stressed out because a majority of the readings are 50+ pages DAILY. i have like 7 other classes and work for every single one of them I DONT HAVE ANY TIME FOR THIS
Gives no feedback on essays, you may think you did such a wonderful job and she will give you a decimal point grade while on the rubric there is no place for a decimal point. Not a good professor for the visual learners. Personally, I feel like this class is to hard for a college class. Its like she hands out 3 - 100, 5-80 and the rest less than 70
1. Personally learned nothing from her class. 2. Does not help English second language student. I personally find it disrespectful that we are future leaders of this nation and that we all learn in different ways, and the sad thing about it, is she does not accommodate at all. Children don't learn from a screen get up and teach please.
Had her in a previous year and despite passing the class, I learned nothing. I was stressed trying to handle all of the class readings and assignments (in and out of class), I never processed any of the material. I've heard now it's only gotten worse: grading unfairly, more readings and assignments, less care/respect for you/your time, and more.
She's a great teacher. Her class is relatively easy, just tedious due to all the readings. She also makes sure to be kind to her students, which I find nice.
I love her she is so kind and although her class is tough it makes it bearable. Homework consists of readings but most of class time is a classwide discussion about it. She really nerds out and its fun. Discussion is natural. I had her last year, and the class was more paper heavy. She grades hard but a lot of things are completion. She is engaging
I love Gillespie, of course she's a tough grader, this is a college course. A lot of the students (seniors) have experienced favoritism from other teachers, so whenever they experience a teacher that grades based on academic excellence. Her lectures are fun, it's entertaining and I can actually pay attention more like that.
To clarify I am horrendous at English I don't know how to place commas you'll see soon enough. I struggled in her class and she is for sure a difficult teacher but she is more than fair because if you talk to her she will understand where your coming from and help you she is the only reason I got an A.
Of all my English professors, Gillespie was one of the most caring and understanding I've had yet. Yes the class is hard, but she never leaves you to struggle. She provides the best feedback (with further clarification if needed) and always pushes you to do your absolute best. Phenomenal teacher, would take her for all of my English courses!
Hardest dual credit class I have ever taken, the workload is ridiculous. Don't take this class unless you want to spend a majority of your time working on her class only.
Gillespie is fantastic. Her class is challenging, but she isn't a bad teacher at all. She is so kind and passionate about what she teaches. She is willing to answer questions and help with your essays all the time (including outside of class and an hour before it's due). You have to work hard, there's no way around that, but she does an amazing job
She is a truly amazing teacher who I have learned a lot from not only with in class discussions but also in 1-on-1 out of class talks with her. She values her student's education and although there is lots of reading, that's just how the textbook and class are formatted. Definitely college level but easier if you do the work and participate.
She is one of the most caring teachers I've ever had. Yes, this class had a lot of readings. It was a literature course, so I'm not really sure what else my classmates expected. She is a tough grader, but it made me a better writer. Don't sign up for a college level course if you aren't ready to try and do college-level work.
Truly a beautiful soul. She always has time to support her students, she doesn't let us slip through the cracks, she is so understanding, so educated, and her passion is palpable. She manages to teach a hard, content-heavy course in an engaging manner-that's rare. Her lectures are fantastic and creative. TBF, I hate reading, but I loved her class.
She was the momma bear of English. As an immigrant who knew nothing about old English texts, she literally taught me how to read them. Thus, enhancing my SAT reading comprehension skills. She does gives a lot of readings, but the discussion she put out for us made us better at writing and arguing. I love her so much.
I understand the people who claim that her class is fun or not as difficult. However, we need to remember not everyone learns the same and in MY OPINION she doesn't switch it up and continues to teach just one way the whole time expecting everyone to get it.
All I have to say is that I won't lie, it's hard, but Mrs. Gillespie caters the class to be manageable if you work with her. She is the best English teacher I've ever had. She is authentic, and you can tell that she enjoys talking to us. She is brilliant, and although this class is course heavy, I have never felt like I was drowning. 
Mrs. Gillespie is a dedicated professor who still helps me with writing assignments, even if I am no longer in her class. The hardest part of the class are the essays, though she is more than willing to work with students on assignments. Asking to work with her outside of class is the best way to get feedback.
I personally think Mrs. Gillespie is an amazing teacher. Although her work can be vigorous, I think it is to be expected due to it being a dual credit class, I strongly believe that her work is similar to other dual credit classes. Like any other teacher, Mrs. Gillespie is strict but is a passionate and caring teacher to me for the past two years.
She's a great teacher. Even though she teaches a tough class, she always tries her best to help her students. She is incredibly accessible outside of class and is always trying her best to support every single student who comes in for help.
Professor Gillespie is a remarkable English instructor, her challenging curriculum pushes students to excel and fosters a profound understanding of the subject matter. Her classes might be demanding, but they are immensely rewarding for those who engage fully with the coursework.
Mrs. Gillespie is an exceptional English teacher whose passion for literature and language shines through in her teaching. Her classes are not only informative but also incredibly engaging, making every lesson a unique journey through the rich landscape of English literature.
Mrs. Gillespie, an English teacher, is renowned for her extensive reading assignments. Her approach ensures a deep understanding of the material, fostering a love for literature among her students. She's truly dedicated to their academic growth.
As someone who has lost a lot of skill over the year over our failed education system, taking her class has not only helped me become a better writer but also has helped me with others as well. She's a very understanding person over personal and educational situations, she's not one of those teachers you would be scared to ask for help.
Amazing teacher, cares about all her students and even offered to take us on field trips helping us learn even more about literature.
Mrs. Gillespie is a great teacher. She helps students when they have needs and is caring. She understands and cares for her students. I have enjoyed her as a teacher and would want to take another one of her classes if I have the chance.
This teacher is very amazing. If you are having a problem and unable to turn in the assignment, she allows you to talk to her. She helps me through problems, if you just spend more time doing your work you will have a good grade.
Madison Gillespie is one of, if not, the best English teachers I've ever been taught by. Before her class, I didn't even understand how to write a thesis. I had no spark with literature at all. After taking two semesters with her, and on my 3rd one, she continues to aid us more and more. She's a great teacher and she cares.
She was an ok professor, but the workload was very tedious, she's a great person, but the stale presentations and playing movies instead of teaching didn't help me understand the material. She was a decent grader and although slow the grading wasn't harsh as some suggest, just not as consistent as one would hope.
As a person, she is caring and shows compassion for her students. It's overshadowed by the fact that we have to read nearly 50 pages in a day and write a page about it, and then discuss it, but if it's not good enough then we have to do a quiz. Workload is very tedious, and she doesn't give as much effort as she could to ensure our understanding.
Mrs. Gillespie is wonderful! She's always concerned about our wellbeing and makes her classes so much fun. She's incredibly helpful and always there when we need her.
She creates a fun and supportive learning environment. She's always attentive to our learning experience and incredibly helpful with any issues we have.
Ms. Gillespie is an exceptional English teacher. Her passion for literature is contagious, and she always finds creative ways to make the material engaging. My writing skills have improved tremendously under her guidance.
Mrs. Gillespie is always and makes her classes so much fun. She's incredibly helpful and always there when we need her. She knows her stuff and she's great at what she does. She's also a wonderful person. I highly recommend her class.
Mr. Gillespie has a unique ability to make complex topics understandable. His classes are always interactive and fun, and he genuinely cares about his students' success. Highly recommend!”
Mrs. Gillespie enthusiasm for teaching is evident in every lesson. She provides constructive feedback and encourages us to think critically. I've learned so much in her class.”
She genuinely cares about our mental health and makes sure we are okay. Her classes are fun and engaging, and she's always there to help when we need it. Best professor ever.
Mrs. Gillespie has a knack for making literature come alive. Her discussions are thought-provoking, and she fosters a positive learning environment. I've gained a deeper appreciation for English thanks to her
Awesome professor. HAs never been a bad teacher
Cool teacher
This teacher makes the work hard but very manageable. She is an amazing teacher and cares for her students immensely. At one point I was struggling with the work and then she had a tutorial session with me before class. Best college professor you will ever get.
Miss Gillespie is an outstanding, ambitious teacher who creates a caring atmosphere in her English 4 class. Her enthusiasm makes literature accessible and interesting. Devoted to her students' welfare, she is a mentor, confidante, and advocate, influencing lives beyond the classroom. Truly inspiring!
I loved her and her class.
She is very helpful and awesome. One time she gave me an extra day to do an assignment because I did not have my computer. And personally, reviewed my essay because it was personal, and I did not want to share it with my peers. She is caring and very respectful towards her students. She is a great person and does not deserve these horrific reviews.
Mrs. Gillespie is a wonderful and caring teacher who also respects her craft and can have a challenging class; however, she will help you every step of the way if needed and cares about each and every student no matter if they hate or love her. She has actually taught me a lot about essay writing and reading, but she's also caring and a real person
She is one of the best and easiest teachers to approach when you want to talk about anything, especially when it comes to your essays. If you are stuck on this one section of righting, she'll help. She is caring and nice, even if she grades your essay badly, you can always go up to her, talk about what you did wrong and help you grow as a student.
10/10 would recommend
This professor was amazing, took her job very seriously ans tried to make sure individuals understood the content. She would explain why you got a specific grade and go over tests afterwards. Very caring and supportive if youre going through something, overall fantastic.
Mrs. Gillespie is one of the best english PROFESSORS out there. Dual credit students who are complaining forget that the workload is something they commit to when registering for a second-year college course. Mrs. Gillespie has a fun and enriching curriculum, and I recommend this class if you are really looking to learn, READ, and WRITE.
Mrs. Gillespie is one of the best English teachers I have ever had. She is so caring, kind, and is willing to help people out. When I took DC English 3, my grade was slumping towards the end because I had a family situation, and she was there for me no matter what. The 1 star reviews are kids who are just mad the class is hard
Mrs. Gillespie is nice and personable, but I didn't enjoy her class. It's mostly readings and essays, with unclear topics and little guidance. She's a tough grader, often on her phone, and dismissive of student input. I did to World Lit online, which better suits my learning style.
Her class is extremely hard. She may present herself as approachable, but deep down, she seems to take pleasure in making things difficult, ensuring that you struggle. I recall her laughing in out faces when we were taking out test. If you're aiming for a good grade in her class, here's a tip: cry in her face—it might make a difference.
I respect everyone's right to form their own opinions, but I want to point out that many of the 5-star reviews seem to come from her friends or students who have taken the class online, rather than directly with her
The only thing to expect in this class is the proffersor to be on her phone and sitting at her desk. Oh and don't forget she will always have an army of friends/students who take up over class time talking about inappropriate stuff/personal life.
SHE USES CHATGPT TO GRADE. It comes to the point that you don't even know what you truly got wrong. She only caters to someone who is just academically gifted in english. Mind you she also is never to be seen to have office hours or time or to help you on your work.
Here are some cons: unclear rubric, no help outside class, distracted when helping, lazy about lecturing, shows favoritism, assigns 52 pages of reading during test weeks. As someone who's excelled in English, this class IS impossible—she makes it that way on purpose and even seems to enjoy it.
Ifyou're not one of her chosen students, don't expect fairness. She assigns an absurd workload and refuses to clarify anything. Her feedback is vague (is CHATGPT), and she gets annoyed if you ask for help. This class will tank your GPA and your motivation.
This class is a nightmare. She piles on readings, gives zero support, and grades harshly with no consistency. It feels like she sets you up to fail and then blames you for struggling.
Impossible to succeed unless you're one of her favorites. She's disorganized, uninterested, and unfair. I've never felt more defeated in a class. She doesn't teach, she just assigns and critiques without reason. Worst class I've ever taken.
Every week is chaos—way too much reading, random grading, and no chance to actually understand the material. She seems to enjoy confusing students. If you're not already a genius, good luck. English class shouldn't feel like punishment.
She weaponizes the syllabus. Instead of being a helpful guide, it's a trap—packed with confusing rules and inconsistent grading policies.
Office hours are useless. If you manage to get a meeting, she rushes you through or checks her phone. She doesn't care if you're struggling—just blames you for not “reading closer” or “trying harder.” Very discouraging.
The online version is the only reason I didn't give up on English entirely. Everything's organized, you get real feedback, and you're not constantly being blindsided by confusing assignments or moody grading.
Do yourself a favor—take this class online. No confusing lectures, no emotional rollercoasters. Just the content, at your pace. You'll learn more, stress less, and come out of it with your GPA (and sanity) intact.
Only take this class if you can be her best friend, she may give extra credit. She jokes around about how hard her class is, stays on her phone, and talks to former students who only did well because they were close to her.The class feels more like history than literature, and she grades super strictly on vague, opinion-based tests and essays.
The most difficult class with an ego-driven teacher that prides upon the difficulty of her class. Barely any extra credit to improve the terrible grades. Takes an extremely long time to grade and feedback is often, if not always, affirmative for automatic intelligence usage.
The class isn't easy, you have to pay attention, do the readings, study for the tests, and try hard on your papers. But the professor is passionate about English, willing to offer help, offers tutorials, there is an option to write another paper instead of taking a final test, and she is accommodating. If you put in the effort, you will pass.
The way our class worked we had to read between 150-250 pages of a textbook only in PDF form over 1 semester outside of class time. We had weekly quizzes and at least 5 essays in the same semester. I personally did not receive constructive feedback and did not improve my essay scores over the semester despite talking outside of class multiple times
Save Yourself.
Class Info
Online Classes
100%
Attendance Mandatory
97%
Grade Predictor
Your expected effort level
Predicted Grade
B+
Grade Distribution
Common Tags
Rating Trend
Declining
-0.78 avg changeRatings by Course
ENGL-2332
3.7
(55)ENGL-2333
2.1
(28)Difficulty by Course
ENGL-2333
4.3
ENGL-2332
3.7