Speaker Information

2011 Annual Conference
 Theme: "GCEL: Illuminating the Way"

Brad Cohen

Inspirational Educator

     As a child with Tourette Syndrome, Brad Cohen was ridiculed, beaten, mocked, and shunned. Other children, teachers, and even sometimes family members found it difficult to be around him. His mother’s encouragement and his brother’s support were key elements that kept him going. College and then job hunting brought new challenges, but he continued to strive toward his goal to be a teacher and was rewarded when he was named Georgia’s First Class Teacher of the Year.

     Even today Brad is ejected from movie theaters and restaurants. Nothing has stopped him from taking leadership roles in a variety of settings and being a role model for others. This story of personal challenge and unwavering determination proves anyone can make their dreams come true. No one can hear Brad’s story and fail to see the power of a positive attitude.

     Brad is from Atlanta, Georgia and is an Assistant Principal at Addison Elementary School in Cobb County. Prior to that he taught 2nd grade, 3rd grade, was a technology lab teacher, and was responsible for the staff development of teaching the teachers.

     Brad has served as Vice President of the Board of Governors for the Tourette Syndrome Association of Georgia.  He also founded an overnight camp, “Camp Twitch and Shout,” for children with Tourette syndrome. Brad started the Brad Cohen Tourette Foundation to help raise money for children with Tourette Syndrome across the country.  Part of Brad’s past, included being the team mascot “Homer” for the Atlanta Braves Baseball team.

     A native of St. Louis, he has a bachelor’s degree from Bradley University (Peoria, IL), where he graduated cum laude with honors and received their Outstanding Young Alumnus Award. Brad has earned master’s and specialist’s degrees from Georgia State University.

     Brad has received many other awards, including St. Louis Area United Way Volunteer of the Month; he was a Ben & Jerry’s Citizen Cool semifinalist; and he was recognized by the Atlanta Braves and BellSouth with an Excellence in Education award. Brad is married to his wife, Nancy, and has a baby boy, Dylan.

     Brad was featured on Oprah, People Magazine, CNN, The New York Times and Inside Edition after the release of his award-winning book, Front of the Class: How Tourette Syndrome Made Me the Teacher I Never Had, in September, 2005.  His book was named the “Education Book of the Year” for the Independent Book Publishers.  CBS featured Brad’s “Hallmark Hall of Fame” movie about his life in December 2008.  He is now a motivational speaker and inspires people to keep a positive attitude and to follow their dreams. 

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For more info: Be sure to check out his website: www.classperformance.com