In addition to the traditional curriculum, the students learned valuable lessons in

understanding and tolerance.

Front of the Class is the inspirational story of Brad Cohen, a man who does not let life's
challenges get in the way of his dreams. Brad Cohen has Tourette syndrome, a neurological
disorder that makes him twitch and make noises constantly. As a young boy, he was made
fun of and put down by his classmates and teachers but decided to grow from everything he
had endured. Despite all the bullying he indured during his childhood and the trouble he
went through with his father, Cohen was determined to live a normal life. He maintained a
positive outlook. He decided that when he grew up he was going to be a teacher who would
encourage all students and show them that you can do whatever you put your mind to.
As an aspiring teacher, I found this movie to be extremely motivational. Brad Cohen found
ways to learn and grow from every experience he had. He teaches life lessons to students
when they don't even know they are learning the lessons and always finds a way to inspire.
Brad shows students that no matter what difficulty they may have in life, they can always
find a way to overcome it and be a better person because of it. As 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.
Front of the Class is a very eye opening story. There are so many people in society who
don't respect or accept others with disabilities or who are different, it is heart breaking.
Brad's story made me realize how anyone can make the best out of any situation. He
acknowledges that every person has their own problem or difficulty and tells everyone not
to make excuses, to accept the challenges and to grow from the experiences. Never once
does Brad blame anyone or anything for Tourette syndrome and is an incredibly strong
human being because of it.
He made me realize that everybody has obstacles in their life, but it is how a person
responds to that obstacle that defines them. When I become a teacher, I want to make sure
every student has the chance to learn, and be themselves.

Front of the Class” is an inspiring movie. After watching it, I was moved by the character Brad Cohen.

He had a strange disease called Tourette Syndrome. It made him make noises and have convulsions. When he was
young, his classmates always made jokes about him. He was so sad that he didn’t want to stay at school. One day,
his headmaster encouraged him. Cohen decided to become a teacher just like his headmaster.

After graduation, he had 25 interviews before a school accepted him and offered him a job. He worked very hard and
cared for his students very much. His lessons were so interesting that his students really enjoyed his classes. He
received the honor of “advanced teacher” many times.

The movie is very instructive, and I learned a lot from it. Cohen was always optimistic and stayed strong. Usually, a
person will lose heart after failing to find a job after three or four interviews. However, Cohen kept going to his
interviews one by one and failed 24 times. Finally, he succeeded on the 25th interview.

Because of his disease, he faced many difficulties in life, but he enjoyed his job and stayed happy every day. I
learned from him never to give up no matter what misfortune may come my way. I will always keep his words in my
mind, “Never let anything stop you from chasing your dream. You can’t develop bad habits or be addicted to playing
computer games or watching TV series that will prevent you from achieving your goals.”
I am amazed at how Brad Cohen overcame his Tourette Syndrome and became a wonderful teacher.
Tourette Syndrome is a neurological condition that is exhibited through twitches, yelps, verbal outbursts,
and more. The problem is that with TS you have no control over these behaviors. It is like blinking for
most of us.
Brad's main theme in the book is that he would educate people about TS and they would generally accept
it. He would honestly explain his condition to any audience that would listen. Most importantly he would
educate his students. His students would then in turn ask questions which Brad answered frankly. As kids
are, they accepted Mr. Cohen quickly. It is really a great story of how positive attitude and fortitude will
get you to realize your dreams. In this case Brad's dream was being a teacher.
Brad's story reminds me as a teacher how I treat all my students. It makes me think of how sometimes I
assume that students have complete control of themselves at all times. I always need to investigate before
I make assumptions. It has been a great lesson for me.

What is it?

Everybody has a different “IT.” For me “IT” is Tourette Syndrome, for you “IT” may be a sickness,
disease, obesity, financial situation, losing a family member or a friend, finding a new job, etc. In
my movie Front of the Class, we kept coming back to the idea that I didn’t allow “IT” or my
Tourette’s win. This is a major theme of both my book and my movie. It’s really the theme of my life
and it’s an important message I want others to not only remember, but to also act on.

Stephen Covey wrote the book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. The premise of this
book is if you want to turn something from an action into a habit, follow the seven principle stated in
his book. Two of the biggest ideas are to be PROACTIVE and THINK WIN/WIN.

For me, being PROACTIVE was so important as I needed to educate others first to make sure
others understood TS. Once other people knew I had TS, it made my life a lot easier. This is why I
say it is never too early to educate other people about your child’s special needs. Don’t shy away
from it, embrace it and learn how to manage your issues.

For you, being PROACTIVE means to step outside your comfort zone for a little bit and start forming
some new habits. Yes, it will feel a little uncomfortable, but if you take some small steps towards not
allowing “IT” to win, you can beat “IT” just like I have. “IT” may never go away, but I do feel you’ll
know how to better manage “IT” down the road. For me with TS, “IT” has never gone away, but is
age comes wisdom and I do feel like I’ve managed my life better as I’ve learned from my own
lessons in life. You won’t see me in a movie theater on the first night a movie is released sitting in
the middle of the theater, that is just not smart. But you will see me getting the DVD a few months
later and watching it on my own TV in my own home. Be PROACTIVE and have a game plan that
works for you. Be motivated enough to do something so you won’t allow “IT” to win.

The idea if THINK WIN/WIN is plastered all over Front of the Class. You must have a positive
attitude throughout life and truly believe you CAN do it. For me, if I started to honestly believe I
would not be able to find a job as an elementary school teacher, then those negative thoughts would
quickly take over and hurt my self esteem, self confidence and ultimately put me in a tough place
which is difficult to rebound from. Once you get those negative thoughts in your head, it is super
hard to change that mentality. So, stand tall, be positive and know that you won’t allow “IT” to win.

As the new year begins, I challenge you to think about what lies ahead and how do you plan on
dealing with “IT.” Everybody will deal with “IT” differently and I’m absolutely OK with that. My main
goal is for you to learn from my experiences in life and not allow your “IT” to win in your life
 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!”
7. Jimmy Wolk in the Classroom
8. It is my hope that teachers will use Front of the Class to share my story with their students.
Between the bullying that takes place to Brad saying “I just want to be treated like everyone
else” their are many lessons to look at with Brad Cohen’s story. So many Character
Education words come to mind that were a central theme in this story.
9. 1) Positive Attitude
2) Perseverance
3) Passion
4) Honesty
5) Acceptance
6) Self Control
7) Respect for Others
8 ) Kindness
9) Accountability
10) Courage
11) Courtesy
12) Tolerance
13) Acceptance
14) Persistence
15) Self-respect
16) Motivation
17) Patience
18) Determination
 19) Self-reliance
20) Self-confidence
10. ATTENTION TEACHERS and EDUCATORS and PARENTS: What lessons would you teach
in the classroom after you show Front of the Class to your students? What conversations
took place after parents and children watched the movie together?

its an awesome feel good inspirational movie for everyone and perfect for those who are
depressed in their lives.

Front of the class is about the true story of a kid with tourettes who's lifelong goal is to
become a teacher but has to overcome his obstacles with tourettes. with a dad that never
accepted him as a son, kids who don't know anything about the desease and all the things
in between but what made this movie great was the determination to not only people with
tourettes or a disability but people who dog you by saying your no good for this or you will
never amount to anything. the movie has good acting and the determination that goes
along with the movie and the cast is top notch. this movie has heart, and with a guy that
has tourette syndrome, i could relate and it kept me keeping all hope going and pursue my
dreams. defiantly worth a watch if your curious about tourettes, or just a great drama that
sucks you in.

In this fact-based story, Brad Cohen has Tourette's Syndrome. This means he makes noises
involuntarily, even in places like school, where he would be expected to behave.

Early in the movie, with James Wolk narrating, we first see Brad as a child in St. Louis,
played by Dominic Scott Kay. Brad is picked on by other children and told to behave by his
teachers. Since he can't control himself, he is constantly being sent to the principal. His
father Norman (Treat Williams) has divorced his mother and still believes Brad should work
harder to control his actions. So mother Ellen (Patricia Heaton) must raise Brad and his
brother Jeff (Charles Wyson) pretty much on her own. Ellen does research and finds out
there is a name for Brad's condition, but no cure. The one thing Brad can do that pleases his
father is play baseball, where rude noises are tolerated.

For the first part of the movie, the scenes of Brad's childhood alternate with those of the
adult Brad, played by Wolk, who is living with a roommate Ron (not a real person, I found
out, but a composite of several friends) and trying unsuccessfully to get a job as a second
grade teacher in Atlanta, where his father runs a construction business. Norman wants Brad
to work for him, but Brad is determined to prove he can make it as a teacher.

Young Brad finally finds a school that will accept him. The actions of Principal Myer inspire
him not to give up, and he is determined to be a teacher unlike those who mistreated him.

But finding that job won't be easy. Though Brad demonstrates a great deal of confidence
and determination and has a winning personality, and even though he succeeded as a
student teacher. No one wants to take a chance on him. But Brad pushes harder, even as
financial considerations force him to work for his father--doing the dirty work on job sites.
Finally, Brad hears from Mountain View Elementary. They actually want him! Jim Ovbey (Joe
Chrest) is the principal, and Hilarie Straka (Dianne Butler, who reminds me of Patricia
Routledge in appearance) is the assistant principal who actually hired him. Susan Scott
(Helen Ingebritsen) is his mentor.

But it still won't be easy to get through the first year. Some parents are uncomfortable with
him. There are students with problems, but Brad has the ability to deal with those. After all,
he too was a problem student, and he learned from his disability.

Will he succeed? Well, if he didn't, would you be watching this?

Oh, Brad also wants to have relationships with women. Can he do that too? What do you
think?

I predict an Emmy nomination for James Wolk. It's not just that he effectively shows Brad's
disability, or that he seamlessly integrates it into what seem he makes like normal
conversation. He shows a very confident, very determined, easily likable man, in a way that
would have made his performance a winner even if Brad had been like most of us. And he is
an excellent teacher and loved by his students, who are also effectively portrayed.

Patricia Heaton does a very good job, partly because I didn't even know who he was. I know
her mainly from "Back to You" and clips of "Everybody Loves Raymond".

Mike Pniewski has only a few lines, but as the principal who changed Brad's life, he is
outstanding.

Sarah Drew does a very good job as Nancy, the girl who accepts Brad as he is and may go
on to be more than just a girlfriend.

I only have one criticism. Does Brad really make those noises THAT often in real life? He
says it's mainly when he's nervous, but I think the writers could have cut back a little when
he wasn't.

This is definitely worthy of the name Hallmark Hall of Fame.

I normally don't watch Hallmark films. Seeing this last night may have changed my outlook
on them, though it was too bad it was broadcast after my daughter was in bed. I'd love for
her to see it on DVD.

This is the true story of a young man, Brad Cohen, with Tourette syndrome who wants to
become a teacher and get his master's degree. It's a very simple story made magical and
engaging by the strength of its leading player, James Wolk. I hope to see more of him in
other work soon. His ability to capture the helplessness of Tourette's while burning through
it with his heart and charm is remarkable.

The story divides its time between Brad's struggles in everyday life with his disorder,
attempting to get the teaching position, his relationships with his family, students, and new
girlfriend. The script is a bit Hallmark-heavy-handed at times, but it comes with the brand.
This *is* a greeting card company, after all.

The supporting cast is wonderful. Sarah Drew is every boy's crush as Brad's new girlfriend.
Treat Williams is powerful and sympathetic as Brad's father. I highly recommend this film
for great family viewing full of life lessons and love.

The film is well written (although does it really need the dying kid?) with moments of
humor, inspiration, and more. The ignorance of people is astounding, their casual cruelty
towards Cohen and his syndrome shows how truly awful so-called "good people" can be
when something seems strange or different to them. This is something this film does an
excellent job in showing. You want to leap into the screen and pound the people who are
unjustly cruel to Cohen. You want to stand by Heaton as his mother and the actor playing
his brother Jeff when they stand up to people on his behalf. The film illustrates these
uncomfortable and embarrassing moments for Cohen in an excellent way. It does an equally
good job showing his worries when it comes to finding love in a relationship and Cohens
own frustration at his syndrome. You truly feel sad for him when he tries so hard to control
his tics and simply can't. Both Wolk and King do a fantastic job showing every side of
Cohens efforts to handle his Tourettes and live his life to the fullest.

The film is well edited, and is directed well. I really have no complaints about any technical
aspects of the film.

In case you're wondering about the title of my post-I knew Brad and Jeff growing up in St.
Louis. We went to summer camp at Camp Sabra in the Lake of the Ozarks in MO. together,
and were in BBYO together as well. Both of them are a few years older than me, so I never
really got to know them well at all. However, I have observed Cohens Tourettes in person
and its not always as extreme as it was in the film. I admit, as a young kid (9-10) I was
sometimes scared and frustrated by his tics. However, when I learned that he couldn't
control it-I was shocked and felt terrible. I learned to get used to it and expect it when I
was in a place with him. For the most part, both he and Jeff were pretty cool guys. Though
sometimes, they could be jerks. Especially Jeff-he was something of a bully with a chip on
his shoulder as I remember. But as I have learned-that's just being human-and especially
being a teenager. We're all jerks sometimes. I knew that they wouldn't show this in the
movie, so its not like I'm crying "J'accuse!". I just wanted to put that out there. "The more
you know" you know. Regardless of what I think about the "real" Brad and Jeff Cohen, its a
fine TV movie.

What Cohen has done with his life is a great story-worthy of Hallmark Hall of Fame. I just
wish as an actor, I could have been in this movie or at least auditioned for it. Its a major
bummer because its a good film about people who I have actually met.

Considering that Wolk was practically just out of college, had never had such a large role in
a film before, was working with two seasoned vets like Heaton and Williams, and is maybe a
decade or so younger than the "real" Brad Cohen, I am even more impressed with his
performance watching it again than I was before.

A nice family film, and a great true story.

My wife told me I had to watch this movie with her because of how good it was. She was
right! Front of the Class tells the inspiring story of Brad Cohen, based on the real life
person. Brad (played by TV actor James Wolk) grows up in a broken family after his mom
and dad divorce. Since his youth, Brad started making uncontrollable odd noises at random,
with no ability to control them.

His Mom, played wonderfully by Patricia Heaton (Raymond TV series), won't take the
doctor's diagnosis of basically no explanation. She digs and digs and discovers Tourette's
Syndrome, a neurological disease, with no cure. With unbelievable love and patience, much
like Sally Fields in Forest Gump, she supports and encourages her son to pursue his dream
of becoming a teacher.

Brad goes through a tough time that demonstrates the ignorance of supposedly educated
human beings as he interviews over and over for jobs in the education field. He has all the
credentials from his studies - he needs a break.

The film nicely weaves back and forth between the young Brad dealing with people not
accepting him then, versus adults not accepting him as he's an adult. I can only imagine
how frustrating this must have been.

The movie also weaves in a complicated father/son relationship, nicely delivered by Treat
Williams, a very strong performance.

The ending will have you cheering, so yes, Hallmark movies are sappy. But this one will give
you a nice warm heart. It's a perfect holiday movie to pick up your spirit and give you hope
for a better world.

See Front of the Class - you will enjoy it!

At times, it was so sad... How mean and intolerant people can be! I had to shed a tear here
and there, but nevertheless, those dialogues were catchy and returned easily back to
hilarious.

If I had a kid, I would like it to watch this movie.

There is one thing I didn't get though....As far as I know, and I might be wrong, please bear
with me, teachers are underpaid? Sometimes it's even dangerous to be a
teacher....Shouldn't they be thankful for every person who wants to be a teacher and even
seems fit, despite a handicap?