‘Freedom Writers’ teacher coming to ESU
By Drew Donahoo, ESU Media Relations
Friday, February 27, 2009
An educator known for transforming a classroom of apathetic and angry “unteachable” students into a strong group of socially-conscious citizens for change will be visiting the Emporia State University campus in April.
Erin Gruwell will speak in ESU’s Albert Taylor Hall at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 28. She will be sharing her message, “Becoming a Catalyst for Change.”
Gruwell’s book, “The Freedom Writers Diary: How a Teacher and 150 Teens Used Writing to Change Themselves and the World Around Them,” was published in 1999.
The book is based on the journals her students kept while in her class.
In 2007, actress Hilary Swank portrayed Gruwell in “Freedom Writers,” Richard LaGravenese’s film adaptation of the book.
After leaving Wilson High School in the late 1990s, Gruwell was named the Distinguished Teacher in Residence at California State University, Long Beach.
Gruwell then founded, and currently serves as the president of, the Freedom Writers Foundation, which aims to spread Gruwell’s Freedom Writers teaching method across the country.
An extensive campus collaborative effort is resulting in Gruwell’s appearance at ESU. The Community Hornets program is hosting the event after receiving funding from more than 15 organizations, departments and offices across campus.
The Community Hornets program promotes volunteerism and action among ESU students.
“We are excited about the Emporia and ESU communities hearing the message of such an inspirational teacher,” said Blythe Eddy, Community Hornets coordinator. “We believe her message will be invaluable.”
This admission-free event is open to the public.