Andrew Pudewa is a renowned educator, speaker, and the founder of the Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW), a globally recognized organization dedicated to teaching students of all ages how to think, speak, and write with clarity and confidence. With a passion for fostering effective communication and critical thinking, Pudewa has transformed writing education through his innovative, structured, and engaging methodologies. A homeschooling father and classical education advocate, he has inspired countless families, educators, and students through his workshops, resources, and incredibly popular workshop sessions at events like the regional Great Homeschool Conventions – which draw attendees from 38 states.
Pudewa’s journey in education began with a diverse background that shaped his unique approach. After earning a Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, San Diego, and a teaching credential, he studied violin under the mentorship of Shinichi Suzuki and later served as an assistant to Dr. Suzuki in Japan. This experience instilled a deep appreciation for structured, incremental learning, which Pudewa later adapted to writing instruction. In the early 1990s, while teaching in California, he was mentored by Dr. James B. Webster, whose Structure and Style writing method became the foundation for IEW. In 1997, Pudewa founded IEW to share this method, blending classical education principles with practical, replicable techniques.
Through IEW, Pudewa developed a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes clear thinking and elegant expression, used by homeschoolers, private schools, and public institutions worldwide. His flagship program, the Teaching Writing: Structure and Style course, equips educators and parents to teach writing systematically, breaking it into manageable steps while encouraging creativity. IEW’s resources, including student workbooks, online classes, and themed writing courses, cater to diverse learners, from elementary students to high schoolers, and even those with special needs. Pudewa’s approach, often infused with humor and storytelling, makes writing accessible and enjoyable, earning him accolades like the 2019 Homeschool Hall of Fame Award.
A highly sought-after speaker, Pudewa has presents at the five regional Great Homeschooling Conventions each year – with these events drawing attendees from 38 states! (Andrew also spends countless hours engaging one-on-one with attendees at these conventions)
Andrew’s Great Homeschool Conventions workshops cover topics like writing, motivation, and classical education. His talks, such as “The Four Deadly Errors of Teaching Writing” and “Reaching the Reluctant Writer,” offer practical strategies for educators and parents. Pudewa is also a published author and host of the IEW Podcast, where he discusses education, parenting, and the value of the liberal arts. His commitment to classical education is evident in his advocacy for memorization, logic, and rhetoric as tools for intellectual growth.
A father of seven, Pudewa and his wife, Robin, homeschooled their children in Locust Grove, Oklahoma, where IEW is headquartered. His Christian faith informs his educational philosophy, emphasizing the pursuit of truth, beauty, and virtue. Pudewa’s global impact includes training educators in countries like Canada, Australia, and China, and his resources have been translated into multiple languages. Through IEW, he continues to empower students to master the art of communication, leaving a lasting legacy in homeschooling and education
