Erin Gruwell Scheduled to Open 2025 Summer Institute!
We celebrate our profession each year at the Summer Institute for Authentic Learning and Leadership, and with good reason. Our profession has limitless possibilities to change the world, and this gives us a purpose and vision that sustains us over time.
Whenever we create the conditions for authentic learning, our students see themselves as talented, confident, and insightful changemakers. We believe the world needs these outcomes now more than ever.
Erin Gruwell agrees, and she has devoted her career to empowering learners to make the world a better place. Erin is an acclaimed teacher, author, and activist dedicated to championing equity and social justice. We are thrilled that she will be joining us July 9-10 to share the experiences, lessons, and strategies that have shaped her groundbreaking work with the Freedom Writers Foundation.
Erin’s approach, which transformed a group of undervalued students into empowered authors, underscores the power of storytelling, empathy, and education to foster healing and growth. Gruwell’s story, immortalized in The Freedom Writers Diary and the film adaptation, showcases her innovative teaching methods that encourage inclusivity, self-expression, and resilience.
When Erin speaks, she brings the classroom to the audience, sharing poignant narratives of hope, struggle, and triumph. Her sessions are interactive and deeply moving, designed to ignite a passion for change and a deeper understanding of diversity and inclusion. Be it in the classroom, or otherwise, Erin’s powerful message of hope and possibility is sure to resonate with our audience.
Mark your calendar for the Summer Institute to save your seat for Erin Gruell, July 9-10, 2025!