Erin Gruwell

Erin Gruwell is a teacher, author, and social activist. She is best known for her work with the Freedom Writers, a group of high school students she taught in 1994. Gruwell's students wrote in her journal, which was later published as THE FREEDOM WRITERS DIARY. The book became a #1 New York Times bestseller and was adapted into a major motion picture, Freedom Writers, starring Hilary Swank. Gruwell has received numerous awards for her work, including the National Education Association's Lifetime Achievement Award. She has also written several other books and continues to work as an educator and advocate for social justice. Gruwell is a graduate of Stanford University and has taught at various schools in California. She is also a sought-after speaker and has given talks at conferences and events around the world. Gruwell is married to a teacher and has two children.