Erin Gruwell: The Freedom Writers Foundation

“The greatest heroes are those who do their duty in the daily grind of domestic affairs whilst the world whirls as a maddening dreidel.” -- Florence Nightingale.

Heroes can be found in everyone and everywhere. Doctors, young children, and even teachers can be heroes. A teacher can be a role model, a source of support, and an inspiration. Erin Gruwell is an American teacher, an education activist, and the founder of the Freedom Writers Foundation. She changed countless lives, with a unique teaching method. Erin Gruwell was born on August 15, 1969, in California. Gruwell graduated from Bonita High School and the University of California. She later studied at California State University to earn her Master’s Degree and teaching credentials. In

The mission of this non-profit organization “Is to be an advocate for all students and teachers by providing tools that facilitate student-centered learning, improve overall academic performance, and increase teacher retention.” Freedom Writers Foundation, a website created by Freedom Writers, states, “Erin subsequently founded the Freedom Writers Foundation, where she currently teaches educators around the world how to implement the Freedom Writers Methodology, a progressive teaching philosophy with curriculum designed to achieve excellence from all students.” The foundation founded by Erin does numerous things that help the lives of students and educators. Erin educates teachers around the world how to apply the Freedom Writers Methodology which later helps students in school and in life. Erin provides many events for students and professionals so everyone can learn or teach effectively. For teachers, Erin holds a training program so teachers can support and assist students to achieve academic excellence. Through this program, teachers return to their school with more knowledge, determination, and commitment to change their students' lives. Freedom Writers Foundation Website, an article titled “About the Scholarship Program”, noted, “The Freedom Writers Foundation awards scholarships each year to first-generation high school seniors and college students who have demonstrated remarkable academic promise despite considerable odds.” This program supports students in many ways. By providing the students a scholarship, they continue to learn and they have a shot at becoming what they want. Students through this program also receive support to earn a degree from college. Erin has inspired many teachers, students, and everyday people through this foundation. She inspires everyone with her work, her compassion, her talks, and especially her