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

I had a chance to speak to the Cobb County speech teachers as they invited me to be a guest speaker at their In-Service. I had a chance to share my story and remind the teachers that although they are not a regular education classroom teacher, they are still making a difference in the lives of those special children. Many kids with disabilities just want to be like everyone else. When they struggle in the big classroom, they look for success and positive situations in different areas. That is when a speech teacher can step up and make a world of difference for that child. Overall, let that child feel special! Cheers

I had a chance to visit Dallas, Texas and present a half day seminar to educators and families of children with TS. I focused on my story and then I gave strategies as how educators can help students who are a little different. If our main goal as educators is to help the student become successful, then it is important that we as educators understand what it is that makes kids struggle. As I shared my story, it helped the people in the room get a better sense of what needed to be done. Strategies for the classroom and life will help these special kids succeed!
Cheers

I headed to New York to be the keynote speaker at the 2006 Employment Recognition Breakfast for the ACLD. This breakfast presentation was focusing on giving people a chance despite their disabilities. There are thousands of people in our cities who want to be like everyone else and have a job. I remember how I felt when I first started teaching. I also recall how much pain I went through just to get that job. Employers gathered to both recognize the efforts of their employees and also remind people to take a risk and hire some people just because it is the right thing to do. There are so many different types of jobs out there that in many cases there is a job for everyone. Sorry, no pictures came out:( Cheers

In July, I had a chance to speak to about 250 new teachers in Hall County. Hall County is located in Gainsville, Georgia just outside of Atlanta. In this keynote address, I reminded them about the difference they will make as a teacher. This is one of my favorite presentations because I'm so passionate about teachers making a difference in the lives of kids. All it takes is for ONE person to make a difference in the life of a child!

I'm happy to announce that I'm officially married to a great girl! Here you will see some pictures from our wedding weekend June 25, 2006 in Charleston, South Carolina! We had a Rehearsal Dinner "Bowl-A-Rama" Party and the next night we had the actual wedding and reception.

On May 23rd, I was honored to be one of two Keynote Speakers at Prejudice Reduction Conference at Quinnipiac University. This event had over 1000 students attending a day long conference about overcoming prejudice. Myself and Tim Shriver, President of the Special Olympics, talked to the high school students about how it is important to give everyone a chance in our society. It is when we give people chances, that they have the opportunity to shine.

http://www.tsa-usa.org/
Go to the National Tourette Syndrome Association Website and on the homepage on the right hand side, you will see a spot where you can click and see a TSA Awareness Poster talking about me. You'll see my picture there so it shouldn't be hard to find! It's actually a pretty good picture of me with a great message. Enjoy!
Cheers

WOW! What an experience! Be sure to watch OPRAH on Friday, May 19th.
www.oprah.com
View Brad on Oprah Here!
http://www.martinliterarymanagement.com/vid-oprah-brad-win.htm

Oprah did a show on "Beating the Odds!" She included me as one of her guests for the show. I was on with a 2 legged dog, an amputee, and a boy who was stabbed. Oprah and I sat on stage and had a one on one interview and then at the end of the show she plugged my book.

The entire Oprah experience took 8 days......this is how it happened!

Wednesday, May10th, I received a phone call from an Oprah producer. They told me that they were thinking of using my story on an upcoming show. I spoke to a few producers that night and was asked if they did the show the next Thursday if I would be able to come up to Chicago. I told them yes!

Then the next day on my way home from school, I received the phone call telling me that I had been selected to be on the show. And the fun began.

We needed to plan for the Oprah crew to come to my school on Monday. Parent permission forms will given to my student's parents. Over the weekend, I spoke to the producers several times as we need to discuss my story, their visit to Atlanta, travel reservations, and gathering pictures for the show.

Then Monday arrived and the Oprah crew got to my school at 7am. They got me and my class on video for about an hour. Then they interview my assistant principal and some other people in the school. They shot my students without me around for a special message. Then they interviewed me for 1 hour and 45 minutes. There was a buzz going on at my school all day and everyone was excited. Parents, teachers and the students enjoyed the process. The Oprah crew really enjoyed their visit to Tritt Elementary.

After they left, for the next few days, many phone calls back and forth occurred. They were very persistent to get the story right. They wanted me to send them lots of pictures. Travel plans were taken care of and I made sure to request enough tickets for Nancy, my mom, dad, brother and stepmother. All were all able to enjoy the experience. The ticket request was granted.

Wednesday night quickly arrived and Nancy, Hilarie, and I flew to Chicago from Atlanta and was greeted by a limo to drive us from the airport to the Omni hotel. When we arrived to our suites, we were also given dinner vouchers. Everything in the hotel was great. We for sure got first class treatment!

Once in Chicago we caught up with my family and met up with some friends.

Then Thursday morning arrived. It was the day of the taping. We woke up at 5:30am and was picked up by the limo at 6:45am We arrived at Harpo Studios at 7:00am and we were greeted by producers and went to the green room. We had to leave all our cameras and cell phones behind. The halls were filled with Oprah pictures of her and her guests. Food awaited us but of course I was not hungry. While in the green room we went over the show in detail, and they started the make-up.

This was by far the worse part of the experience. I hated the fact that I needed to wear make-up.......but I did it for Oprah! I was in the greenroom with Nancy, Hilarie, my assistant principal and my mom. My dad, stepmom and my brother,Jeff, all went to sit in the audience. Nancy, my mom, and Hilarie sat in the front row as they were told they might need to answer some questions.

And then it was time to start the show........I was left in the greenroom with Warren, an amputee. When it was time for my story, they walked me out to the stage. A video was playing as I approached. Then Oprah called me out and the audience went crazy. It was a great feeling to walk out on the set of the Oprah show to share my story!

I sat down with Oprah on the stage and did a one on one interview for 2 segments of the show. Was I nervous???? Yes, I was a little nervous, but I got comfortable soon after I sat. The big surprise for me was when I saw my students on the TV screen talking about me. It was touching!

And before I knew it, it was over!

But then I was asked to come back out at the end of the show as Oprah plugged all of the guests books. And there it was.....the cover of my book, Front of the Class. What a great feeling!

When I first started writing my book, I read in many books that there are two things to keep in mind:
1) You won't get rich.
2) Don't plan on being on Oprah....it just doesn't happen!

Well, so far I took care of the Oprah part, now I need to move on to the next step.

After the show Oprah we went back stage and took some pictures with Oprah. The professional photographer said it might be a few months before we get them.......so I'll wait patiently!

Overall, everything was great! I'm excited to share this experience with the world!

Pictures will be added soon!!!

Oprah was great.........
Cheers to Oprah!

See this link:
http://www.independentpublisher.com/action.lasso?-Database=18news.fp3&-Layout=iparticle&-RecordID=40070&-Response=art3.lasso&-Search

WOW!
Front of the Class is now an Award Winning Book and it will be recognized on May 19th in Washington, DC at the Book Expo. Winning this award is HUGE in the book world!

On April 27th, I was invited back to Bradley University to be a keynote speaker for the Education Department's 100th year anniversary. It was a packed house, with a lot of former professors, and future teachers. What an honor! I shared how Bradley University helped make a difference in my life and helped make me the teacher I am today.

The next day I spoke at the Peoria Discovery Forum where we discussed education and the arts.

Whoever had the idea to travel to Orlando and Washington, DC in the same week is crazy! We walked so much my feet were ready to fall off.

While in DC, I was able to sell my books at the conference and get the word out. I was also a speaker at a few sessions during my visit. Everytime I visit DC, I must visit the White House!

Nancy and I also had a chance to meet up with Georgia Senator, Johnny Isakson. Johnny is quoted on the back of my book promoting it.

On April 1st, I had a chance to sign books at the Barnes and Noble in Altamonte Mall. There was a nice crowd of people that stopped by. Then Nancy and I also had a chance to visit Disney! Awesome! Simply Awesome!

On March 27th, I was invited to speak to the North Carolina Teacher Fellowship Program at Elon University. What an honor! Everyone was great. I spoke in front of a sold out crowd in which most of them were education majors. I was able to remind them that all it takes is for ONE teacher to make a difference in the life of a child. It was great to meet so many students and faculty members during my visit!

I was a "guest" speaker and spoke to parents and community members about how it is important not to give up on the children who need you most. So many times people want to focus on the child's weaknesses, I try to remind people to focus on their strengths!

On February 27th, I had a chance to visit my former school, Mountain View. This is where my career began. Although the faces may have changed over the years, the feelings remained the same. What a great school. I had a chance to speak the the children and adults for their Literacy night. I discuss my experiences at Mountain View and how I was able to publish a book. I had a chance to meet Fred Sanderson, superintendent of Cobb County Schools, as he was the mystery guest reader for the night.

Sponsored by the Tourette Syndrome Association of Illinois/Indiana I gave 3 presentations. First, was the Chicago Tourette Winter Mini Camp www.tourettecamp.com

Here I spoke to 25 kids and their parents. All of the kids had TS and had wanted to hear my story. I shared my experiences and gave them advice as to how to live their life and be successful. Once again they asked great questions. The highlight was when one child asked if he could ask Nancy a question. He went on to ask, "Did you think Brad was a freak when you first met him?" The downside to the entire event was the weather. It was one of the coldest days I could remember with the temperature being -6 degrees, that is correct, NEGATIVE SIX DEGREES Saturday morning. The room I spoke in was so cold I actually had to wear my coat and gloves for part of the event.

Then we headed to Barnes and Noble at Old Orchard in Skokie, IL. The turnout for the book signing was about 100 people. It was great to meet new people as well as seeing old friends. Thanks for the support! I spoke for about 20 minutes and then I did a lot of signing. This Barnes and Noble was one of the best locations I have worked with so far.

Last was a presentation to the Tourette Syndrome Association of Illinois in Elmhurst, IL. We had a nice turnout of about 30 people. I have really enjoyed getting to meet other people with TS and people who are looking to help make a difference in the life of someone with TS. A big thank you to Michel Lehman who was a great host for the two day event. I'm glad she is supporting the Tourette community, she's a good person to have in our corner!
Cheers

On Friday, February 17th I had a chance to speak for the Education Department at Purdue University. With over 100 people in attendance I gave a presentation on "Overcoming Challenges and Winning the Game of Life." I spoke to educators, parents, children, and people with TS showing them that despite how tough life may get, they can still overcome their disability.

I had one of the best Question and Answer sessions where the people were honest and the kids wanted to be heard.

Thanks to Dr. Hynd and the Purdue faculty for all the support. It was also an honor to meet Sheila Klinker, a State of Indiana House of Representative!

After a quick bite to eat at the John Purdue Restaurant, I headed to Chicago for my next event(That would be 4 presentations in 24 hours!)
Cheers

My visit to Florida was sponsored by the Tourette Syndrome Association of Florida and their Silent Auction. I was their Keynote Speaker and tried to personalize what Tourette Syndrome is, while at the same time show the people that those with TS can overcome their disability and be successful in the game of life.
The people of Florida were great and the event was amazing. Thanks for giving me a chance to be a part of a great event!
Cheers