Erin Gruwell is an American educator and author known for her innovative teaching methods and her dedication to her students. She first gained attention for her work at Woodrow Wilson High School in Long Beach, California, where she taught a diverse group of at-risk students from 1994 to 1998. Gruwell encouraged her students to write about their lives, an experience that led to the publication of "The Freedom Writers Diary," a compilation of their journal entries. The book showcases the struggles and triumphs of Gruwell's students and the impact of her unique approach to education. Gruwell's story and the success of the Freedom Writers inspired the 2007 film "Freedom Writers," starring Hilary Swank as Erin. She has since founded the Freedom Writers Foundation, which aims to spread her innovative teaching methods to educators around the world and advocates for equality in education.