Brad Cohen, Author, Front of the Class
Living with Tourette Syndrome can be a challenge, but Brad Cohen believes he has overcome his disability by living life to its fullest. Brad has been a highly respected teacher for 13 years. Brad is currently an Area Lead Teacher, ALT, in Cobb County, just outside of Atlanta, Georgia. Brad is currently “teaches the teachers” and does staff development at his school. Brad previously taught second and third grade at Tritt and Mountain View Elementary in Cobb County and was the technology lab instructor at Stripling Elementary School in Gwinnett County.
Brad has not only taught reading, math and computers, but he also teaches his students how to accept people for who they are, no matter what their disability may be. One of Brad’s biggest honors was the Sallie Mae First Year Teacher of the Year Award for the State of Georgia. Brad received this award for both his outstanding teaching and positive role model abilities.
Brad attended Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois where he graduated Cum Laude and received his bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. He went on to attend Georgia State University where he received both a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and a Specialist Degree in Leadership and Administration. Brad hopes to be an administrator in the near future.
Brad has been active with the Tourette Syndrome Association of Georgia where he served on the Board of Directors. He started an overnight summer camp for children who have Tourette’s and has traveled around to help other camps in the US. He speaks to parents, teachers, children, and adults about his experiences with Tourette Syndrome.
Brad volunteers with many community events. Brad was the chairman of Relay for Life with the American Cancer Society in Cobb County. He has been a little league coach for a 4th grade baseball team. He was recognized for his community involvement and selected as a semi finalist in the Ben and Jerry’s Citizen Cool Contest. Brad was named the Atlanta Braves/Bell South Excellence in Education winner and was presented with an award at Turner Field. During the baseball season, Brad used to be found at Turner Field where he worked part time as one of the Atlanta Braves mascots. He is no longer one of the mascots as he now focuses on his book and speaking engagements. Last but not least, Brad was recently married to his wife Nancy.
Brad has been featured on Oprah, Inside Edition, People Magazine and several other magazines and newspaper articles. Brad was published in a book titled, Getting Personal, Stories of Life with Tourette Syndrome. This was Brad’s first published work. Now, Brad’s first official book, Front of the Class: How Tourette Syndrome Made Me the Teacher I Never Had, is available in hardback and paperback in book stores across America. Brad hopes to help share his story about overcoming the obstacles in his new book. This motivational and inspirational book will show people that you can succeed no matter what disability you may have. The book also reminds educators about the difference they make.
