| WHAT: | Erin Gruwell, the inspirational teacher whose experience transforming the lives of at-risk students was turned into the movie “Freedom Writers,” will visit Monrovia Unified’s Clifton Middle School to deliver her empowering keynote presentation about how education can spark change. |
| WHEN: | Thursday, Feb. 14 8:50 a.m. |
| WHERE: | Clifton Middle School 226 South Ivy Ave, Monrovia |
| DETAILS: | Erin Gruwell is a teacher, an education activist, and the founder of the Freedom Writers Foundation who refused to give up on students who had been deemed unteachable, instead helping them find their voice, purpose, and inspiration through her impassioned teaching. In addition to writing a best-selling book, the story of Erin’s class was adapted for the big screen in the 2007 movie “Freedom Writers” starring Hillary Swank. She delivers workshops and keynote presentations to inspire students and educators to implement her teaching methodologies. Erin and her students have appeared on numerous television shows, including Oprah, Prime Time Live with Connie Chung, Barbara Walters’ The View, and Good Morning America. Erin and the Freedom Writers have earned dozens of awards including the prestigious Spirit of Anne Frank Award. |