Brad Cohen's Front of the Class: How Tourette Syndrome Made Me The Teacher I Never Had

Friday, September 12, 2008

A Quick Look from Shreveport, LA

AWESOME!!!!! That is all I have to say. I was hoping to give more updates but we have been so busy watching the film being shot and meeting everyone that I haven't had as much time as I thought. I plan to give an update on Sunday or Monday night when I have a little more time.

One picture is Brad, Jeff, Nancy and the actors playing us. Jimmy Wolk, Dominic Kay, Sara Drew and Johnny (forgot his last name).

Another picture is Brad, Nancy and little Brad, little Jeff, Mom and Dad being played by Patricia Heaton and Treat Williams.

As a sneak peek, here is my life right now!

Cheers

Brad

Tuesday, September 09, 2008

Front of the Class will now be a "Hallmark Hall of Fame" movie on CBS December 7, 2008

Keep checking up on my BLOG to learn the latest about the movie as they have begun shooting the film in Shreveport, LA. I will list the other actors over the next few days/weeks. See the link below to see the first article about the film featuring Patricia Heaton and Treat Williams! And of course playing Brad Cohen as an adult.....Jimmy Wolk. Learn more about the actors at http://www.imdb.com/

Here is the article from Hollywood Reporter!!!
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3i1af1ebdbd6481f8af3218e83cd7dccc9

Friday, August 01, 2008

Brad Visit's Hickory, North Carolina

I had a chance to be the opening keynote speaker for the North Carolina Teaching Fellows Senior Conference at Lenoir-Rhyne College. Other speakers included Ron Clark, 2000-2001 Disney Teacher Award Winner, and Michael Geisen, 2008-2009 National Teacher of the Year.

The audience of 500 students and faculty members were great. It was an honor to be able to speak to this group of future teachers. Thanks for the opportunity. Trust me, I'm in the picture, it just came out a little dark. Thanks to my buddy Shelly for taking the picture and traveling with me for 4 hours each way. Cheers

Friday, April 11, 2008

2008 National Tourette Syndrome Association Conference in Washington DC

The 2008 National Tourette Syndrome Association Conference took place just outside of Washington, D.C. in early April. It was another chance for those dealing with Tourette's to get together and learn more. I once again spoke on 2 panels. But my wife was also invited to speak on dating and relationships. She did a great job. In the pictures you'll see one of me speaking, another of the group of speakers discussing dating and relationships, and the last one is of Duncan McKinley of Canada and Rick Fowler of Athens, Georgia performing at the final banquet. Check out his website and music at www.rickfowler.com

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Amit to Honor Me at 7th Annual Community Event

Click here to learn more about the event!

Sunday, March 9, 2008
The Rialto Center for the Arts
80 Forsyth Street, NW, Atlanta GA 30303
5:30 – Wine reception and heavy hors d’oeurves
7:00 – 9:00 PM – Program, live auction and concert

The Amit Program’s
Seventh Annual Community Event
“Music with a Message”

Peter Yarrow in Concert
From the folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary

WHAT A GREAT NIGHT THIS WAS!

I was honored by the Amit Program for my involvement in the education system for children who have special needs. My family and I had a chance to be around a great organization that raises funds to help kids with special needs in the private schools in Atlanta.

Peter Yarrow, of Peter, Paul and Mary shared his famous musical songs like Puff the Magic Dragon, and If I Had a Hammer. His program Operation Respect ( http://www.operationrespect.org/

) is one that reminds students to treat others fairly as well as dream to be what they want to be.

Our Neighbor-Keynote Speaker

In February, I had a chance to be the keynote speaker at the Our Neighbor event in Gainesville, GA. Our Neighbor is an organization that raises money to help fund housing and support for those in the community who have had accidents and are now in wheelchairs. This organization buys them the housing they need in order to help them live in our society as comfortably as possible.

We sat with the Lovett Family and had a chance to meet many influential people in the community who are devoted to making a difference. My message came across loud and clear that not only did they need to raise funds for their organization, but the community as a whole needed to support these people who had their lives chanced in just a moments time. I reminded them of my story when nobody wanted to hire me as an elementary school teacher. But on my 25th interview, I was finally hired. Just a year later I was named the First Class Teacher of the Year in the State of Georgia. It's amazing what can happen when someone gives someone else a chance.

Thanks for the opportunity to speak at your event and keep making a difference.

New England Financial-Awards Banquet

What an honor it was to be able to speak at New England Financial Awards Banquet Dinner in Atlanta. I had a chance to share my story with the group and remind them that they too may have difficult times in a tough market, but at the same time, if I can overcome my life challenges, they too and overcomes their daily challenges. We also discussed all the good things they do for people with disabilities. Providing them with the correct insurances they need is very important. Many times people with disabilities are denied or given insurance at very high premiums which isn't fair. I reminded the group that it is important to fight for those who don't have a voice.

South Carolina Department of Education

My experience in visiting administrators from the state of South Carolina was great. We met in Columbia at the Department of Education where I had a chance to share my story with the group.

Then we spent the rest of the day talking about Tourette Syndrome and strategies they can use in the classrooms and in the school. Everyone in the group got a copy of my book, Front of the Class to bring back to their community.

Thanks for allowing me a chance to share my insight with educators in South Carolina.

Friday, October 12, 2007

Brad Visits East Carolina University

I had a chance to meet about 200 great future educators when I traveled to East Carolina University. As part of the Dean's Leadership Seminar, they invited me to be there keynote speaker. Not only that, but they selected Front of the Class as their summer reading assignment. I had a great experience which included an awesome reception after my presentation where I had the opportunity to meet many of the students. They were excited to share stories and experiences and I did the same. Thanks ECU for a great experience!
http://www.ecu.edu/cs-educ/teachfel/Seminars.cfm

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Big Funds Raised in ST. LOUIS with the TSA

I had the opportunity to be the keynote speaker at a major fundraiser for the TSA in St. Louis on September 8th. With 600 people attending I shared my story reminding people about the Power of ONE and how they can be that person who makes a difference in the life of another person. I also reminded them that we need for people to think positive and focus on others' strengths, and not their weaknesses.

The event raised over $400,000......not too bad for a first year event. Kudos to Myrna Myer and her committee who had a heck of an event. The press for the event was great. Kudos to everyone who helped make that event top notch!

Monday, September 03, 2007

Brad Featured in the St. Louis Post Dispatch

Feel free to read the following article:
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/lifestyle/stories.nsf/healthfitness/story/8A85D7B7C58D7862862573410068E027?OpenDocument

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Ron Clark Meets Brad and Nancy!

We had a chance to visit the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta and it was a great experience. Not only did we get to meet Ron Clark, but we also had a chance to see one of the neatest schools in America.

http://www.ronclarkacademy.com/

If people say the sky is the limit, then wait till you meet Ron. WHe had a dream to have a school like no other in the world. And that is what he did. There is a slide inside the building, technology all over the place, flat screen TV's in the bathroom, hidden classrooms behind bookshelves (much like Scooby Doo shows), and much more.

This middle school for grades 5-8 will be one where the students have a chance to travel around the world and have meaningful instruction. Be sure to check out the website and enjoy the pictures!

Kent County and First Day for Teachers

I had a chance to visit Kent County as their keynote speaker on the first day of school. After speaking with the superintendent of the school district, he quickly told me his goals for having me. It was to remind teachers that "Successful Learning of All Students" is our goal. And that "Everyone Can Make a Difference in the Life of a Child."

I would like to thank Mr. Pack and the other staff members I met for a great experience.

Monday, June 04, 2007

Brad meets the King of Leadership, John Maxwell!

June 4th-6th, Cobb County School District hosted their Annual Leadership Institute. The Keynote speaker this year was John Maxwell, author of several books including The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader, 360 Degrees, The Difference Maker, and many more. John's speech on Leadership hit home to many of the themes I speak about. It was neat to see we were thinking along the same lines.

Cobb also gathered some of their biggest leaders including Senator Johnny Isakson to speak on leadership.

Later in the conference, I also presented a session I titled, Front of the Class, and Celebrating Abilities and Winning the Game of Life.

Wednesday, May 02, 2007

Brad's Presentation on the internet -PODCAST!

http://www.stlcc.edu/mc/media/disabilityawareness2007.wvx
Click here to see 35 minutes of Brad Cohen speaking

Summit on Leading Diversity

I had the chance to be one of the keynote speakers at the 2007 Summit on Leading Diversity here in Atlanta, GA. This was put on by Linkage, Inc. and they had about 700 people in attendance. This was a great event and it might have been one of my best presentations.

On this day, the group came together to learn more about diversity and bring back what they have learned to their companies. Many people from Corporate America were in attendance and they were learning a great massage.

The Linkage staff were so kind and friendly. I truly enjoyed the book signing afterwards as the people just wanted to chat with me about how my presentation impacted their lives.

St. Louis Community College, Meramec- Disability Awareness Week

WOW! What an amazing event. I had the opportunity to be the keynote speaker at St. Louis Community College's Disability Awareness Week and Awards Ceremony.

This event was great. I started of speaking and then the highlight was being a part of the awards ceremony where the students were recognized for their academic progress. It was just another chance to show people that with the right support, anyone can achieve success!

Over 300 students attended the event. It was nice to get a chance to spend time with the Access Office staff, the Focus on Ability Club members, and some of the faculty from the school.

If you'd like to here my presentation, feel free to click on the link below which will send you to my podcast on line:

http://www.stlcc.edu/mc/media/disabilityawareness2007.wvx

You may also view some more photos from the awards ceremony by clicking the link below:

http://www.bradcohen.blogspot.com/

St. Louis Community College should feel proud about the event they put together. They stand for the very best St. Louis has to offer!

As always, you can view my website to learn more about me at:

www.FrontOfTheClassBook.com

Cheers to each of you!

Brad Visits Collinsville, IL and Speaks at IAASE

I had the opportunity to speak to the Illinois Alliance of Administrators of Special Education (IAASE), they had their 8th Annual Spring Conference and they invited me to be there keynote speaker and then do a more in depth look at how they can create a more positive classroom and school experience for kids with special needs. My presentation was titled, "Celebrating Abilities and Creating a Positive Attitude for All. Over 300 people were in attendance.

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

PACTH Conference at Penn State University, Spring 2007

The Pennsylvania Council on Therapeutic Horsemanship had their annual conference in State College, PA this spring. They invited me up to present to their group. The highlight of the event was at their silent auction, my co-writer Lisa and I decided to help raise some money for the group so we had them auction a breakfast with both of us and they raised over $300 from our little breakfast item. I never knew I was worth so much:) It was a real treat to attend this event. The conference was so well run and the people attending were great. Thanks!

Anderson University, April, 2007

What a treat it was to visit Anderson University and speak to the future teachers of America. It seems like they have a great education program with very support faculty. The Education Club is pictured with me here. A BIG thanks to Howard who was help organize the event. Nancy and I truly enjoyed ourselves. Cheers