Front of the Class

Based on the true story of Brad Cohen, a young man diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome who defies the odds to become a teacher. When Brad was growing up, teachers and other adults -- even his father -- interpreted Brad's involuntary sounds and sudden jerking movements as attempts to get attention or simply acting up. He was ridiculed and teased by other kids. As a result, he hated school...until a principal learned his "acting up" was a result of Tourette's. The principal used an all-school assembly to educate the faculty and students, which helped Brad win their understanding and acceptance. That convinced Brad that he should be "the teacher he never had." Brad had interviews with 24 schools in the Atlanta area that had teacher vacancies, but no one was willing to take a chance on him, despite an impressive college record and glowing recommendations. But he would not give up. On his 25th interview, he was offered a job as a 2nd grade teacher. Brad's openness about Tourette's, his easy-going manner and gentle humor quickly won over his young students. In addition to the traditional curriculum, the students learned valuable lessons in tolerance and acceptance of differences. At the end of the year Brad was named the outstanding first year teacher for the state of Georgia.