Erin Gruwell

Erin Gruwell speaks about one of her students from her first class, Maria Reyes.

Erin Gruwell has earned an award-winning reputation for her steadfast commitment to the future of education. Her impact as a change agent runs deep. So deep, in fact, that her story attracted Hollywood's attention. In January 2007, Paramount Pictures released Freedom Writers, starring two-time Oscar winner Hilary Swank as Gruwell. The film is based on The Freedom Writers Diary, The New York Times bestseller that chronicled Gruwell's extraordinary journey with 150 high school students who had been written off by the education system. By fostering an educational philosophy that valued and promoted diversity, she transformed her students' lives. She encouraged them to re-think rigid beliefs about themselves and others, reconsider daily decisions, and ultimately re-chart their futures. With her support, they chose to forego teenage pregnancy, drugs, and violence to become aspiring college students, published writers, and citizens for change. They dubbed themselves "The Freedom Writers," in homage to civil rights activists The Freedom Riders, and published a book.

For more information on Gruwell and other speakers please visit http://www.apbspeakers.com/speaker/erin-gruwell

Category:

Education

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• Erin
• Gruwell
• catalyst
• for
• change
• Freedom
• Writers
• Hilary
• Swank
• author
• keynote
• American
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• APB
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[futateacha123]

Ms.Gruwell, You're the greatest and a wonderful inspiration!

[LGomez1979]

stardustNM,i'm sorry. but,i disagree.

i once had a teacher who was

racial and uncaring. she labled

the hispanic students. hated the

bitch. during my sophomore

year,my cousin committed

suicide.and she told

me ''I don't give a flat crap

if your stupid lazy cousin died!''

get to work,now!!! i'm serious,

[wvconcerts2010]

Excellent! Excellent!!! movie and book ; "Teach With The Heart" ...what and amazing,and incredibly excellent well-written story. Erin is very instrumental to and creates a safe "haven" and extended family for the students that have all the odds against them, except God and High School teacher, Erin Gruwell inspiring her class to believe,achieve and turn negatives into positives. Absolutely a must read books and Must-see movie to all leaders, teachers, and students worldwide

[namisan525]

wow,.. really an amazing true story from the movie, "freedom writers". you can relate to the story of it :D very inspirational and a great one !

[3045e]

she is an angel!

[TFerg2010]

This woman deserves the Nobel Peace Prize. Or something similar.

[xXxHumanNaturexXx]

She is so Amazing. I read the book in only two days and i luv the movie. Its good to know that ther ar people out there like her.

[dmacamill99]

just watched the movie and it brings goodness, hope and light into my heart...thank you Freedom Writers, Ms. Gruwell and the actors and actresses that did a remarkable job at bringing something so special back to life and across the world

[edominguez541]

Good Job Erin... another awsome Bonita Alumni

[jeffeena]

One Teacher Can Make A Difference! she is the proof.

[Louizalass]

Such an inspiration.

[sleeponstardustt]

This woman is my hero and my inspiration.