New Website Launched

www.classperformance.com

I’m excited to launch my new website.  If you had www.frontoftheclassbook.com in the past, it will still take you to the same location as www.classperformance.com But for now, go ahead and make classperformance as your new location of choice when checking out my website.  A big thank you to my brother and his team of workers who helped build this site. 

I’m hoping to make this website more interactive with resources for others to use.  While at the same time promoting me as an author, motivational speaker and of course a teacher.

Please sign up to get updates on my blog.  You may also join my website mailing list on the home page of the website.

Keep checking back for updates!

Cheers

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20 Responses to “New Website Launched”

  1. Deb Pasch Says:

    I am so excited for you Brad. I always enjoyed having Passover with you and your brother. for me you were just one of the family, but I know life was not easy for you. It is wonderful seeing how you have developed and that others have discovered the beauty, heart and brilliance that some of us saw many years ago.

  2. Cathy Says:

    Love the new web site Brad! Im looking forward the the movie,
    Cathy

  3. Jami Meller Says:

    I am so excited to have found this website! My son was diagnosed in the 4th grade with mild Tourette Syndrome. I was told then that by the time he was a teenager I would notice a huge difference in his tics. I have, they have decreased. He is now a sophomore and he is almost tic free. I say almost because if he is under alot of stress, the tics are in full force! My husband and I (we are both emergency medical technicians/firefighters) do everything we can to keep him as stress free as possible. We make him talk to us about whats bothering him and if he is stubborn and wont talk, his tics get worse and then he talks to us. Its the best therapy there is for his tics. He is in sports, on the honor roll, has had several girlfriends, and has a huge group of friends. When he was diagnosed I borrowed video tapes from his dr and took them to his school. I made the staff all watch the tapes so they understood what was happening to my son. They knew how to help him settle down if his tics were out of control (he had one that literally cut off his airway) and when to call me if they couldnt help.
    It hasnt been easy but it sure did open my eyes!
    I really would love to see Brad speak, just the few tidbits I have seen have brought tears to my eyes. My husband and I have dealt with this on our own for the past few years (no more meds and no more specialists visits), my son goes to his regular family doctor for everything now. We have definitely educated his family doctor on Tourettes and he is grateful!
    I look forward to keeping up with Brad and everything he does!! I now have hope.

  4. Ellen Adams Says:

    I am really looking forward to the movie Sunday night. My seven year-old son had the sudden onset of multiple tics over the summer. We didn’t realize, however, that several years of constant repetition/echoing of his own words were also likely tied into the probability of Tourette Syndrome. After we (along with his pediatrician) accepted that it likely what he has, we actually feel very lucky to have him. We adopted him from outside of the US as an infant and we now wonder how difficult his life might have been growing up in a country with very little understanding of this syndrome. He is the most amazing little boy EVER!!! He has decided that he is going to be the Secretary of Defense when he grows up and there is absolutely NO DOUBT in my mind that if he wants it to be so that it will be!! I am looking forward to being inspired by Brad Cohen’s story.

  5. Jim Says:

    I’ve had Tourette Syndrome tics since I was a teen. I didn’t know what they were back in the 1970s and no one in my family knew anything about it because I hid my tics very well. My tics settled down quite a bit as I became an adult but I still have them some. I’ve also coached a young hockey player that has Tourette and my son has a friend with more severe tics including some serious vocal tics.

    Fortunately today most people are accepting of things like this, it wasn’t that way in the past.

  6. Amy Crawford Says:

    I’m blown away, inspired and on a mission! As a middle school teacher, I’ve seen the impact a teacher can have on the life of a student. When I started teaching 20 years ago, it was at the elementary school level. I applaud you, Brad! Thank you for sharing your powerful story with those who are on the front lines with kids every day! Thank you for reminding them about what really matters most about teaching. Please contact me about speaking for “Reach Them to Teach Them.” Some general background information follows:
    Our VISION Statement:
    We see a world where every child is equipped to reach his/her maximum potential.

    Our MISSION Statement:
    The mission of Reach Them to Teach Them is to train, motivate, and inspire people of influence to equip children to reach their maximum potential.

    Our VALUES:
    • We are people who are committed to city-wide transformation, one child at a time.
    • We are people who demonstrate integrity and respect for others in order to serve as positive role models for youth.
    • We are people who have energy, enthusiasm, and passion for making a positive impact on our city.
    • We are people who have the courage to step out on faith, knowing that making a difference requires taking risks.
    • We are people who invest in the future through the youth of today.
    I can’t wait to hear from you!

    Dreaming BIG dreams,

    Amy Crawford
    865-603-3046
    Knoxville, TN

  7. Juan Carlos Reyes Says:

    Brad,
    I just got through watching your story “Front of the Class” on CBS. I was completely blown away and I can honestly consider you to be my new hero. I don’t have a disability, but I was always told I couldn’t do this, and I couldn’t do that. But I knew that in my heart that I could.
    I graduated from high school 10 years ago. Now, at the age of 28, I am about to accomplish something that is going to mean so much to me. In May, I will receive my bachelor’s degree in Journalism with a minor in Broadcasting. When I was 25 and I made the decision to go back to school I had my father told me that college was a waste of time and my mother didn’t think I could make it a journalist. Both, thought that I would have a career in music, but I didn’t want that. I knew what I had to do was to keep pushing and not let them or anyone else tell me that college was a waste of my time. I’m now an accomplished sports writer and sports radio host along with being Editor-in-chief of my collegiate publication. My friends and my family are very proud of me and I’m proud of myself and what I will soon accomplish in getting that degree.
    Your story has given me hope that ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE as long as you don’t give up on yourself.
    You truly are an inspiration and I think what you have done is FAN-Tastic.
    Thanks again for sharing your amazing story.

    -Juan Carlos Reyes

    P.S. As a Houston Astros fan I have to boo the fact that you’re all about the Braves.

  8. loana resler Says:

    i have never ever had a movie inspire me sooooo much .i have never ever cried so harddddd. not because i felt pity for brad but because i am sooooooo proud of him. i would have given anything for my 2 children to have had him as a teacher. brad please keep doing what you are doing pleaseeeeee . the children of our world need a teacher like you sooooooo much. you are a great man brad with a hugeeeee will power & a lotta guts & love. i am soooo glad things worked out with you & your dad. brad i am also soooooooo proud of your wife she is one of a kind a greattttttt & wonderful woman . take care of her brad like you do your children . tyvvm brad for making me cry sooooo hard & also for realizing how lucky i am to bre still alive . i have been soooooo depressed over my life feeling sorry for myself butttttttt no more .tysvvm for being such an insperation in my life

  9. Meredith Says:

    The movie just ended and all I can say is thank you, Brad, for sharing your story. My son (11) has TS and has wondered many times if he will be accepted in college (he wants to go to Harvard) and if he could ever fall in love. Although he closed his eyes and smirked during the kissing scene I think I saw a glimmer of hope in his eyes.

  10. Kathy Says:

    Hi Brad:
    I watched the movie about you tonight and I loved it. While it is a different thing my best friend’s brother suffered a brain injury when he was young and he had to deal with the many outward tics and parkinson’s type difficulties that his body displays. I remember first meeting him and because his sister had explained that he wanted to be treated the same as anyone else I was nervous but I learned at that moment that it is so important to see beyond all that and see and hear the person someone rather then the disorder they display. Over the last few years I have been working as a Teacher Assistant and working with all kinds of kids with special needs and always trying to help the “typical” kids learn the lessons of always putting yourself in someone else’s shoes whenever you can. I hope that my two kids (one of whom just started kindergarten) will be fortunate enough to someday have a teacher who is a fun as you seem to be and by example teaches them to never let anything hold them back. I will certainly be checking back often to see what you are up to. I wish you and Nancy all the best and thank you for being the teacher all kids should have!

  11. John Bailey Says:

    Mr. Cohen. In 1962 I started manifesting the symptoms of TS. I was 10 years old. It wasn’t until 1981 that I was diagnosed. The ensuing 19 years with the undiagnosed TS were difficult but I achieved my Master’s Degree during that time and got married to a wonderful girl (29 years ago today). It was refreshing to see your movie last night. I could so identify with your younger years. I, however, did not have such understanding teachers and classmates. I routinely suppressed my tics which made them that much worse when they did come out. I was ridicules by my classmates although never by any of my teachers. My tics were/are more physical than vocal and I was not that disruptive in class. At any rate, Once I was diagnosed, I went on medication. I have been taking Orap for more than 20 years. It helps with the day-to-day tics but as you well know stress or excitement will bring them out. The Orap has stolen my creativity to a degree. I haven’t done much painting in almost 3 decades and I find it makes me tired. But, I was so grateful for the medication initially – to be virtually tic free – that I continue it to this day. Once I retire I probably will discontinue the meds.

    Currently I work as a civilian Television Editor and Producer/Director at the US Army Combat Readiness/Safety center at Fort Rucker, Alabama. I enjoy my work very much since it gives me somewhat of a creative outlet – it satisfies that need stolen by the Orap. My co-workers are great and, I think, do not notice the tics much. I am happy, now, after many years of struggle.

    Again, thank you for your candor in addressing the issue of TS. I hope, because of this, more people realize that TS is not an affliction that debilitates a person’s intelligence or lust for life. Once more people become aware of TS they will be more willing to accept us as people of value.

    Sincerely,
    JOHN D. BAILEY

  12. RuthAnn Long Says:

    The movie was inspiring and, Brad, keep it up! I myself have neurological problems. From what I have seen on tv (including your movie) Tourette’s Syndrom and Epilepsy are not far apart. People with Epilepsy have tics too.
    WAY TO GO!

  13. Matt Says:

    My wife and I just (finally) got our 12 year old son in to see a pediatric nuerologist after seeing many, many, doctors (nuerologists and psychologists) who told us that he was fine, he’d stop doing this sooner or later, etc… Finally, a doctor at Texas Children’s Hospital told us that he meets the criteria for Tourrette Syndrome. He wrote a prescription for some medicine he says will help. We left it up to Zach to decide if he wanted to take the medicine and he said YES. He also has ADHD. We kept telling ourselves that he didn’t have TS since all the doctors had told us that he didn’t. My son is so tired of everyone asking him to stop jerking. Except for my wife and I, hardly anybody understands. How can people be so cruel to a child. The adults are worse than the kids. It took a while for us to know there was really a problem because Zach, our son would say he was doing these jerking movements because his neck was hurting and that he could stop it. Eventually it was apparant that they were involuntary. We saw the movie. We are feeling so much better now and we are so hopeful. We recorded the movie last night so that our son could watch it in hopes that he will see that he CAN do whatever he wants. He is very timid, not real outgoing. He says he wants to be a pediatric oncologist so he can help kids with cancer. I believe he can do it. I hope he does. He has such a good heart and I know he’d be great at that or teaching like you are. Thanks for sharing your story. Thank you so much!! You are a very brave person and have given us more hope than any doctor has thus far!!

  14. RONDA DOUGLAS Says:

    mY SIX YEAR OLD SON WAS DIAGNOSED WITH TS THIS SUMMER.WE DIDN’T NOTICE IT UNTILL WE CAME HOME FROM A WEDDING AND HE WAS ROLLING HIS EYES AND DOING RAPID EYE MOVEMENT. LOOKING BACK NOW I CAN SAY HE HAD IT SINCE ABOUT 4 YEARS OLD .HE WOULD DO ALOT OF TAPPING (EVERY THING HAD TO BE TOUCHED 3 TIMES) HE WALKS ON HIS TIPPI TOES. AND HE STARTED GRABBING HIS PRIVATE AREA ALL THE TIME. I CAN’T TELL YOU HOW MANY TIMES BEFORE THE EYE ROLLING I TOOK HIM TO THE DR’S AND ASKED HIM OH HE WALKS ON HIS TOES.. ANSWER ITS PROBABLY JUST HABBIT , I THOUGHT IT WAS HIS AGE HE HAD TO TOUCH EVERY THING 3 X’S. THEN I TOOK HIM TO HAVE HIM CHECKED ( AFTER I BOUGHT ALL NEW UNDERWARE ALL DIFFERENT BRANDS TO EVEN TRYING DIFFERENT SOAP POWDER) ABOUT HIM TOUCHING HIS PRIVATE AREA OH ITS PROBABLY NERVES OR HABBIT DON’T DRAW ATTENTION TO IT. 2 WEEKS LATER EYE ROLLING.I KNEW RIGHT AWAY WHAT IT WAS. CALLED DR SET UP APPOINTMENT FOR NUROLOGIST. . YES MILD TOURETTE SYNDROME .MY FAMILY HAS A HARD TIME ACCEPTING IT ALL THE BURDEN GOES ON ME MOM, WHICH I DON’T MIND I LOVE HIM. IT WAS VERY HARD HAVING TO DEAL WITH SCHOOL AND I ALREADY WORRY ABOUT NEXT YEAR.. BUT I TELL MY SON GOD GAVE YOU A CHALLENGE AND YOU CAN OVER COME THAT CHALLENGE,

  15. Barbara Herman Says:

    I have had Tourette’s since I was nine years old — many years ago. We didn’t know what it was then — in fact, I didn’t find out until I was about 35.

    My childhood was Hell! My father constantly raged at me. The first time he saw the tics, he actually beat me up! He insisted that I was doing it “just to get attention.” The other kids ridiculed me, and I had no friends. If we had known what TS was, I think it would have been better for me.

    When I was a teenager, the tics subsided somewhat, although I still have a few, which I try to mask.

    Unfortunately, though, my son inherited the condition, but we found out what it was when he was about 12, and were able to understand it and inform others.

    I saw the film “Front of the Class” last night, and cried throughout it. It brought back so many painful memories. But like Brad, I have overcome TS, and I think I share his drive and will to succeed. I have succeeded in many area, because I decided long ago that I could do anything I wanted if I tried hard enough.

  16. Melissa Richards Says:

    Your story is so inspiring. I pulled my 9 year old daughter out of bed to watch it with me because I felt it was such an appropriate way for her to see how people who have disabilities or are different feel when they are treated poorly and teased. And what a difference it can make to have someone be kind and understanding to you. And also what an amazing difference your attitude can make when it comes to deal with life’s trials. I wish I had recorded it all so I could show it to my younger children. I’ve emailed Hallmark to find out if it is possible to purchase a copy. What an emotional and inspiring story.

    I haven’t stopped thinking about your story since the movie ended last night. I feel a warmth and strength inside that makes me want to make the world a better place. And I am so grateful that you shared your story. I can’t stop thinking about it and I wish I knew you personally. Best wishes.

  17. Jane Anderson Says:

    Brad,
    Your story in the movie was wonderful. It helped me remember my first 2nd. grade class in 1967! When I taught 5th. grade we had a Tourettes student and it was quite an experience for us. We did lots of class sessions on understanding.
    I have been retired 6 years and now I am Pres. of the Board of Education in my town. We have to do all we can to help the children today.
    I thought the class, kids in the class, and the school atmosphere in the movie were fairly representative of education today, esp. in the Midwest.
    You have much to be proud of!!!
    Jane

  18. Angie Holman Says:

    Thank you for sharing your story. My husband has TS and it has been difficult at times for us. I hope and pray that people who watched the movie will be more tolerant to TS. Thanks for being such an incredible inspiration to all of us who had the priviledge of watching.

  19. Gissella Limon Says:

    I watched the movie and cried not because I was said but happy that my son nor I was alone. My son’s name is Eddie and he is 13 years old now. He started ticking in the 2nd grade and no one could tell what was happening. I also like Brad’s mom was divorced when Eddie was 4 years old and thought this was a result of the divorce. It took me to research the internet to find out what my son had. I could not believe what I was reading as a Detective and Law Enforcement Officer for almost 15 years at that time, we thought that Tourettes was a crazy person’s disease. I took Eddie to a neurologist who tested him and told me what I knew I would hear. I remember sitting in his office with Eddie 9 years old at the time. The doctor told Eddie you have Tourettes Syndrome chronic tic disorder that may be with you all your life or disapear just as it appeared. The doctor explained that these tics were involuntary movements and Eddie could not help but make the noises. This was the turning point for Eddie he then would explain to his friends and their parents that he had tics involuntary movements and was doing just fine. Now that Eddie has entered his teen years it is harder for him to cope with this. I see it everyday but he remains brave just as Brad . I am not giving up that someday these tics will disappear just as they appeared. I know there is going to be a cure, I refuse to believe that there isn’t. Since then I have taken my son to a social worker who helps kids cope with the tics, and a wonderful doctor who does acupuncture techniques and uses homeopathic medicines. This has helped my son tremondously. He continues to make facial tics but the vocal has stopped. Unless he is really stressed out or nervous you will hear them once in a while. Every year since the middle of third grade I have met with the teachers to explain what Eddie has. I have to say that we have been blessed with the wonderful school that has accepted Eddie and embraced him. I am very nervous about Hight School but watching this movie has given me peace of mind. Eddie will be alright and like Brad he is going to make it. The difference is that Eddie wants to be a CEO of a major company. I hope many people watched this movie stop being ignorant when it comes to deal with people who have disabilities. I have always told my son there is nothing wrong with you. Everyone has something otherwise we would all be in heaven. I continue to encourage my son along with his stepfather and stepbrother who ironicly has TS, he is in college now. May God Bless Brad Cohen and his wonderful mother who reminds me of myself. Eddie’s dad has not come to terms with Eddies TS and it is a constant battle. I had hoped that Eddie’s dad view the movie but did not. I will pray that he has a change of heart and starts seeing the great qualities that his son has, and stops thinking that Eddie won’t be a success because of the TS which he still says he does not have.

  20. Jayden Says:

    I have Tourette’s just like you. I am 8 years old and I’ve had tics all my life even before I was 1 year old. I don’t have a severe case like you, you can barely hear me. Most of mine are just hand motions. I like your movie front of the class.

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Testimonials
"Brad Cohen is a walking billboard for the idea of living positively. He is like a cold drink on a hot day--refreshing, energizing, and likely to put a smile on your face."
Tim Shriver - Chairman of Special Olympics

"I have observed the magic of Brad Cohen in the classroom. He has turned Tourette Syndrome into an asset, and his life into inspiration."
Senator Johnny Isakson, Georgia

"Brad Cohen's story is a triumph of hope, determination, will and relentless good humor."
Peter J. Hollenbeck, Ph.D., Professor and
Associate Head of Biological Sciences,
Purdue University


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