Galloway, N.J. — Erin Gruwell, whose story as a teacher was the basis for the 2007 movie “The Freedom Writers” starring Hilary Swank, will speak at 2:45 p.m., Oct. 7, in the Alton Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public.

The talk will be followed by a question-and-answer session.

Gruwell is a former high school teacher who worked with a diverse group of at-risk students in Long Beach, California. She used innovative teaching methods to engage her students and help them overcome social and emotional challenges, including issues related to racism, violence and poverty.

Through the Freedom Writers Foundation, Gruwell currently teaches educators around the world how to implement her innovative lesson plans into their own classrooms. She also hosts “The Freedom Writers Podcast,” featuring conversations with authors, activists and civil rights icons.

The event is co-sponsored by the School of Education and the Stockton University Foundation.