Front of the Class How Tourette Syndrome Made Me the Teacher I Never Had

by Cohen, Brad; Wysocky, Lisa

• ISBN13: 9780312571399
• ISBN10: 0312571399
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-11-25
• Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Summary

As a child with Tourette syndrome, Brad Cohen was ridiculed, beaten, mocked, and shunned. Children, teachers, and even family members found it difficult to be around him. As a teen, he was viewed by many as purposefully misbehaving, even though he had little power over the twitches and noises he produced, especially under stress. Even today, Brad is sometimes ejected from movie theaters and restaurants. But Brad Cohen's story is not one of self-pity. His unwavering determination and fiercely positive attitude conquered the difficulties he faced in school, in college, and while job hunting. Brad never stopped striving, and after twenty-four interviews, he landed his dream job: teaching grade school and nurturing all of his students as a positive, encouraging role model.

Author Biography

BRAD COHEN is a motivational speaker, teacher and author, and the recipient of Georgia’s First Class Teacher of the Year award. He founded a camp for children with Tourette’s, and has appeared on Oprah. In 2006, Front of the Class won the Independent Publisher's Education Book of the Year Award. Brad’s life is the subject of a Hallmark Hall of Fame Movie. Find Brad at www.frontoftheclassbook.com. Coauthor LISA WYSOCKY is an author, motivational speaker, and owner of a public-relations firm. Find Lisa at www.lisawysocky.com.

Table of Contents

“This is a story for every underdog, for everyone who has ever stumbled in life, for anyone who thinks life has dealt them a little more than they can handle.”--Jim Eisenreich, former Major League Baseball player with Tourette’s

“Thank you, Brad, for your determination, your spirit, your compassion, and your perseverance, and thank you for daring to share it with all of us.”--Susan Conners, Education Specialist, Tourette Syndrome Association, Inc.

“Brad Cohen has turned Tourette syndrome into an asset, and his life into inspiration.”--Senator Johnny Isakson, Georgia

"This book provides a genuine and heartfelt message of hope in the face of a potentially devastating disorder." --Neal Adams, MD, MPH, Psychiatric Services, Journal of the American Psychiatric Association

"Strongly recommended reading . . . Front of the Class is the remarkable story of a remarkable man who learned to deal with a marked and all too remarkable affliction."--Midwest Book Review, Reviewer's Choice

“This story of how a child with severe obstacles to learning triumphed as Georgia’s First Class Teacher of the Year is a testimony to the indestructibility of the human spirit.”--ForeWord Magazine

“Brad Cohen's story is a triumph of hope, determination, will, and relentless good humor. His approach to living with Tourette syndrome proves how much is possible when you expect the best of everyone, especially yourself.”--Peter J. Hollenbeck, Ph.D., Professor and Associate Head of Biological Sciences, Purdue University

“Front of the Class is not just a book about Tourette syndrome. It is a courageous and touching account of one young man's difficulties and triumphs in life.”--Sheryl K. Pruitt, M.Ed., Clinical Director, Parkaire Consultants and coauthor of Teaching the Tiger and Understanding Tourette Syndrome: A Handbook for Educators