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Click here to view the article featured in the NeighborNewspaper.

Speaking in front of 1,700 people is nothing new for me, but speaking at the Atlanta Capitol and getting a chance to meet our state leaders was new. The 11th Annual Disability Awareness Day took place on February 25, 2009 and I was invited to be the keynote speaker and share my story with the community. It was another reminder to those who don’t live with a disability to not forget us. Money, education, and awareness is still necessary for those with disabilities.

As I told the legislators, I was honored to be the voice of so many who can’t always speak for themselves. Writing my book and movie, Front of the Class, has given me a chance to speak out for so many. I also explained that I live with Tourette Syndrome not thinking that I have a disability. It is others who look at me and think I can’t do certain things and think I have a disability. This is where education comes into play as we must give everyone a chance to prove they can do it rather than giving up on people too quickly.

When was the last time your advocated for something you believe in? Have you ever spoken to your government officials about something you feel strongly about? What I do know is that everyone has a voice and I hope some day when you feel passionate about a topic, that you have a chance to express your views to help make a difference in your life and the life of others.
Cheers

President Bush Writes Brad a Letter

Brad and Nancy Meet President Bush and the First Lady

What an amazing experience Nancy and I had as we were invited to the White House one week after the movie aired on CBS. We had a chance to meet President George W. Bush and Laura Bush. They were both very nice. They had not seen the movie yet, but George knew all about me as he screamed out as I approached, “I’m looking for that inspirational elementary school teacher.” I guess he heard the noises I was making! He gave both Nancy and me hugs and then took a picture with us. I’m not real happy about him having his hands all over Nancy, but I’ll get over it!

Cheers

Movieguide Awards

The Movies Nominated

Click here to see pictures from the event: Dominic Scott Kay (pictured), Tom Rickman, Brent Shields, Andy Gottlieb, and Cameron Johann all in attendance repsenting Front of the Class.

We have officially learned that Front of the Class didn’t win the Faith and Freedom Award. That award was given to John Adams and The Medal. But we did win a special award which was not on the program for Outstanding Movie About a Disability. Members of the team got up to speak at the ceremony!

Write Brad

Did your class watch the movie, Front of the Class?  Did your class read the book, Front of the Class? Did a group of teachers from your school read, Front of the Class?  Are you a future teacher who read, Front of the Class?

If so, you might be interested in writing Brad Cohen?  If you write Brad, he will read it!  Brad will also try his hardest to respond to your email.  Brad has gotten thousands of emails and wants to communicate with the public.  Because Brad continues to teach and travel around the United States, his time is limited.

If your groups wants to communicate with Brad, it is asked that you compile all of your comments and questions into one email.  If you’d like to send Brad snail mail, please email him for the best address.

If you want Brad to sign your book, he can either send you a signed copy or you can send him your book with a SASE (Self Addressed Stamped Envelope).

If you are emailing Brad because you are doing a report on Tourette Syndrome or on Brad, please don’t procrastinate and ask Brad to respond in one day to your questions.  Brad HIGHLY RECOMMENDS for you to read his book prior to emailing him questions.  Many of the questions you will be asking can be found in his book.  After you’ve read the book, Brad will be happy to fill in the gaps and clarify anything you want to help you get an “A” or write the best paper possible.  This is why Brad wrote the book.  He knows he can’t be everywhere all the time and the book/movie helps educate others about his story.

If you want to contact Brad, email him by clicking on this link!

 Cheers

What kind of change will you make?

Change is never easy, in matter of fact it is one of the hardest things to do.   In order for someone to truly change, they need to be motivated.  But motivated by what?

That’s my challenge today!  Is it possible for me to make others think about what changes they need to make in their own life?  I guess I first need to find a focus and that focus will be for teacher.  It doesn’t matter if you have been teaching for 1 year and are still new to the profession or if you are a 30 year veteran who is about to retire. 

Front of the Class reminded me that teachers can change!  After the movie aired on CBS, I received thousands of emails.  Many of them were from teachers saying “Thank You” for reminding them the impact they have on children in the classroom.  Many teachers like me get so caught up in the paperwork, politics, parent needs, and the curriculum that we sometimes forget why were became teachers.  It is for the children!  Students must come first!

I know I wanted to be that teacher that I never had.  I wanted to make a difference in our schools and help all students believe in themselves and help them learn to the best they can be.  But often times we may lose perspective because of high stakes testing during this age of accountability.  I’m standing up now and reminding teachers not to forget why they became a teacher.

I also remind teachers that it is never too late to change the way you work in your classroom.  Don’t be afraid of change, befriend change!  Change can be one of the best things you can do for your students.  As teachers, we must be able to change our instruction in the classroom as education changes in society.  As the standards change and become more rigorous, so must our teaching practices. 

If I was truly sick and had cancer or a chronic disease, would I want my doctor to treat me the same way they treated patients 25 years ago.  NO, NO, NO!  I would want the latest and greatest that medicine has to offer.  Just like the medical field, the education field is changing too.  Research has been going on to show how kids learn best and it is important to follow the research in order to give our student the best education has to offer.

Many viewers and reader of my story said Front of the Class reminded them that they need to be a little more patient, a little more aware of what life is like for kids who have challenges in the classroom.  Some challenges can be seen by others, but many challenges are not.  As teachers, we must learn to communicate with our students and listen to their voice.  We need to hear how they learn best.  We need to know what they need in the classroom.  We need to see that maybe, it is not the child who needs to change, but it is us as teachers who need to do the changing.

I remember hearing once that when I teach in my classroom, only 1/3 of my class learns the same way I do.  Most teachers teach the same way they learn. That means we are probably not hitting 2/3 of our class in the most effective way.  So, what changes do we as teachers need to make?

1. Listen
2. Listen
3. Listen

Listen to everyone. Listen to the researchers. Listen to moms.  Listen to the dads.  Listen to administrators.  Listen to the new teachers.  Listen to the veteran teachers. Listen to my story where I share with others what it was like to grow up being different and all I wanted was to be treated like everyone else.  Listen to your students.  Because that is who we are here for. 

In the “real” world, you would listen to your clients.  If you didn’t, they may fire you or just leave and go somewhere else.  They may actually give you some sort of advice that would help you in the field or help themselves.  In the field of education we need to listen to our students or else we will fail them.  It is our job as teachers to make a difference in the lives of every single student we work with.  What better way to make a positive change in the life of a child then to just sit back one day and listen.

What changes will you make this year?  Will you make these changes for one day or for the rest of your career?  I guess it all depends if you are listening to your students.

What made me never give up?

You did! Everybody did! Tourette Syndrome did! As you heard in the movie, I didn’t want Tourette Syndrome to win!  If I allowed it to win, then TS would always win.  For me it was about no excuses!  The first time you start making excuses for yourself, it is very difficult to stop.

There were too many people waiting for me to say I can’t do it because of Tourette Syndrome.  The more times I got rejected and denied a teaching opportunity, the more it made me what to get that job.  I knew I could do it, I just needed to find one person that believed in me too.  By my 25th interview, I had the confidence with my interview skills.  I knew what the principals were going to ask before they even asked it.  My answers were ready to go and I wanted that job.

Many people have obstacles that are placed in front of them throughout their life.  This was a pivotal moment for me.  My mom kept saying “Come back to St. Louis because you know people here.”  My dad said “To go be a substitute teacher and then I would eventually get the job.”  But that’s not what I wanted.  I couldn’t give in.  By my 25th interview I wanted that teaching position so bad. And then it happened where I was finally hired as a 2nd grade teacher.

So, what can I tell others who are looking for a job and have some sort of disability or weakness in life:

1. Don’t give up!
2. Don’t make excuses!
3. Be motivated to prove others wrong when they doubt you!
4. Set high expectations and get to that mark!
5. Keep that positive attitude.  Once it becomes negative, it is hard to go back!
6. If you want something bad enough, sometimes you really have to work hard at getting it!
7. Don’t look for self pity and for other to feel sorry for you.  It won’t get you your job or the goal you have set out for any faster.  Stay strong.
8. Read my book, Front of the Class, or see the movie! (Of course I’m adding this.  My success story is now in book and movie form so I can share my story with others so they can see that if Brad Cohen can do it, then so can they!)

What advice can you give others to help them achieve their goals? Have you struggled to achieve something that took you a while to get?

ASPIRING TEACHERS CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

Today I was reading an email from a girl who is studying to be a teacher. She asked me “What advice can you give me?” and all these ideas came to my head. So, I decided to BLOG about it and share it with the world.

Here is my list of things I would tell aspiring teachers (no particular order):

1. PASSION – The best teachers teach from the heart.  They do it because they love it, not because they get a few months off during the school year.
2. PROMOTE POSITIVE ATTITUDES- This is important to do to the students, parents and the teachers in your school.  We are all wanting the same thing, and that is whatever is best for the student.  We are all on the same team so let’s look at the positive side of things!
3. NEVER GIVE UP ON A CHILD- Why are you a teacher?  I often believe we are teachers to be there for those kids that have nobody else fighting for them.  Some kids have no voice, or don’t know how to speak up, or in some cases don’t really know what to say or what their needs are.  As teachers, we must always believe that our students can learn and can be successful.
4. DON’T FORGET THE POWER OF ONE- That all is takes is for one teacher to make a difference in the life of a child.  So, what do I tell you people aspiring to be teachers?  Don’t pass the buck!  You need to be that ONE teacher to make a difference in the life of that kid!
5. THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX- It is so easy on a tough day to go back and teach students the way we might have been taught: to open the book to page 101 and do problems 1-30 and when they are done bring their answers to the teacher to check them.  NO! Best practice shows that there are better ways to teach students then the way we learned years ago.  Be hands on, give kids real life experiences, do problem solving, build a community with your class, engage those kids to work together on authentic work.  Don’t just give worksheets in elementary school and don’t just give lectures in high school.  Be original and go teach the way you might have wanted to be taught.  It’s ok to have your students color outside the lines every now and then!
6. FOCUS ON STUDENT’S STRENGTHS AND NOT THEIR WEAKNESSES- All parents know the things that their children do bad.  You don’t need to remind them every single day.  What if that was your child?  Wouldn’t you want to know the good things your child does each day?  It might not be easy, but it is your job as a teacher to dig deep, maybe deeper than you ever have before, and find that child’s strength and allow them to shine just like your straight A students.
7. COMMUNICATION- I remind you to always communicate, and I’m not just talking about communicating with the parents.  Sometimes you need to get down on your hands and knees and communicate with the child.  Ask them what you need to do to help them be a better learner?  Ask them why they are having difficulties in class?  Sometimes it is not the student who has the issue, it could be you?  Just be willing to listen and have an open mind to try something new to help some of your students.  Remember- your learning style might not be the same as their learning style? Change could be good for the entire class?
8. BE YOURSELF- Bring the great things about you to the class.  For me, being a male in elementary education was different because it doesn’t happen often.  I brought my love of sports to the classroom.  My feeling was I could introduce my students to many things in one year that they might not have for the next ten years.  Bring your talents to the class, you will have some kids who will follow your footsteps.
9. BE A LIFE LONG LEARNER- Your learning will not stop once you graduate and get your first job.  In matter of fact, your true learning has just begun!  Continue doing staff development in your area and take classes to learn the latest and greatest.  Form professional book groups at your school and read about the same topic of Reader’s Workshop or How to Engage Your Students More. Then have conversations and improve your teaching abilities.  Go to conferences and listen to speakers in the field of education.  Continue learning technology just to keep up.  And 100% go to grad school and get another degree, it will only make you a better teacher.
10. READ AND WATCH FRONT OF THE CLASS- Of course I was going to add this to the list.  Not because I say so, but because the amount of emails I’ve received since the movie aired on CBS told me this needs to happen.  I truly believe that both teachers and students can become better people after learning about my story.  I know book groups are forming and many schools are showing Front of the Class to their students.  The conversation that will happen afterwards will be a powerful lesson that everyone can learn from.  I’m currently working on a “Teachers Guide” to go along with the movie to focus on Character Education words that go with the movie. Should be ready soon.

What would you tell aspiring teachers as they enter the classroom?

Front of the Class By Brad Cohen

Hallmark Hall of Fame movie Front of the Class- The Brad Cohen Story

As I’ve been going through the numerous email, this question keeps popping up.  The reason I wrote Front of the Class was because I knew I needed to share my story with other people as it truly made a difference and changed people’s lives.  I knew I could help people in Atlanta, GA and even in St. Louis, MO, but how could I help people in Austin, TX and Seattle, WA or New York, NY?  The book was my way of sharing my story.  Then it was turned into a Hallmark Hall of Fame Movie.

Here is my list of reasons why I wrote Front of the Class:

1. HOPE- I wanted other people who have some sort of disability or weakness to know that they can overcome their challenges and live a successful life.  Often parents of a child with a special problem just want to have some sort of hope that their child can grow up and find success.
2. SUPPORT-I wanted others with Tourette Syndrome to know that they were not alone.  Many times people with TS have never met someone else with TS and they think they are the only one dealing with their issues.  And even those who don’t have TS but have other issues in their lives, when I opened up my feelings for others to read and see, they learned that they are not alone.
3. RELATIONSHIPS - My story shows how moms and dads react differently to different situations.  If another parent can learn from my mother’s support or my father’s mistakes earlier in my life, then I know I’m helping other families and that means a lot. The relationship with my wife is another important aspect as true love can be found even if you are a little different.
4. TEACHERS- I like to call it, THE POWER OF ONE, that all it takes is for one teacher to make a difference in the life of a child.  Who will that teacher be? YOU? Or next years teacher?  I make the challenge for YOU to be that teacher who makes a difference in the life of that child who needs you most right now!
5. EDUCATION- Just like my middle school principal called me up in front of all the students to educate them about TS, I hope that others will learn that being up front, open, and honest about their disability does have its advantages.  I’m not saying this is perfect for everyone, but for me, it changed my life. There is power in education!
6. LESSONS OF LIFE- If I am able to make another person’s life a little bit easier than it was for me, then MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! I didn’t have a role model to look up to.  I now know their are many people that children can look up to to say “If Brad can do it, then so can I!”

What lessons did you get out of the book/movie?

To med or not to med, that is the question?

To med or not to med, that is the question?  And although you are looking for me to give you a quick fix answer, unfortunately I can’t.  In matter of fact, every person living with Tourette Syndrome reacts differently to the medications.  So it is hard for me to come right out and tell you a medication you should use.

But what I can say it that there are a lot of options.  Alternative natural approaches have proved to work for many people.  Things like staying away from artificial flavors, high fructose corn syrups, certain dye colors in food and much more could help you.  Or certain diets to have high fish oils or lots of protein could help.

Shelia Rogers wrote a book titled Natural Treatments for Tics and Tourettes which could be beneficial to read.

The main thing to remember is that there is not a cure for Tourette Syndrome.  The other important factor to consider are the side effects of medications.  A lot of people with TS also have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and the medication that helps one issue could make the other issues worse.  So I always say treat the issues which is the biggest problem at the time, then move on to the others.  Often times people say the OCD is worse than the ADHD and TS issues. Once again, it is different for different people at different times.

When we discuss medications, I STRONGLYsuggest speaking with a doctor first.  They have experience and know the potential side effects.  Some medications require EKG’s be done to track the heart while other medications may cause low blood pressure.  Please seek medical advice when it comes to medications.

You can check with your local Tourette Syndrome Association for a list of recommended doctors in your area who deal with Tourette’s.   There may also be some support groups where you can chat with other parents about what has worked for their children.

I’d also recommend the book Children with Tourette Syndrome: A Parents’ Guide.  This has much needed information which could help.

You should also remember that when it comes to Tourette’s little things could help ease the tics:

1. Get a lot of sleep so you are relaxed the next day
2. Have a healthy diet
3. Listen to relaxing music on the way to school/work or even while you are at school/work
4. Stay away from caffeine’s like soda, coffee and chocolates
5. Make sure other people around you understand Tourette’s because when you know others know about your condition, it is less stressful for you
6. Take frequent breaks and get up and walk around for a few minutes throughout the day
7. Drink lots of water
8. Know your schedule before you start the day
9. Build up your confidence in whatever it is you are doing, it will create less stress
10. Focus on your strengths and celebrate your successes with friends and family

These are just a few things I have seen work for me and others.  Can you think of other things to add to this list?