Front of the Class

Twelve-year-old Brad Cohen lives with his divorced mother Ellen and his younger brother Jeff in Missouri. His Tourette syndrome causes disruptive tics that bring him into frequent conflict with his father Norman and his teachers. A class moment shows a teacher calling Brad to the front to apologize for disturbing the class, highlighting the daily challenges he faces.

A psychiatrist suggests Brad's tics are linked to his parents' divorce, prompting Ellen to seek a medical explanation. Ellen finds information about Tourette syndrome in a library book, and the psychiatrist confirms the diagnosis and notes there is no cure. The family then attends a support group, starting Brad's journey with the condition.

At the start of middle school, Brad's disruption leads the principal to invite him to the school concert. After Brad speaks about his condition near the end of the concert, the audience applauds him as he returns to his seat. This public moment helps Brad resolve to pursue a career in teaching.

Brad and his mother attend a support group for Tourette's, where he meets others with the condition. He resolves not to be defined by his tics and to strive for personal and professional success, using the group as motivation rather than a limiting label.

As an adult living with roommate Ron in Georgia, Brad searches for an elementary teaching position. He endures 24 unsuccessful interviews because of his Tourette syndrome before finally securing an interview where the staff accepts him and offers a job.

Brad explains Tourette syndrome to his new class and helps a boy with ADHD and OCD improve his reading. He also makes a connection with Heather, a girl facing terminal illness, showing his commitment to his students despite his own challenges.

One student's father pulls his daughter out of Brad's class due to fears that Brad's tics will distract her. When the girl tries to slip back into class, Brad expresses gratitude but respects the father's decision and does not push back.

Brad meets NancyKeene on an online dating site, and their relationship develops. He invites her to Ellen's house for Thanksgiving, where he confesses his love and Nancy reciprocates. Ellen reassures him that his condition should not stand in the way of love.

An observer at the school evaluates Brad's teaching, and the head teacher announces that he has been chosen to receive the Teacher of the Year award. He accepts the honor in front of his family, friends, and students, marking a milestone in his career.

A textual epilogue reveals Brad earned his master's degree and even dressed as the Atlanta Braves' mascot during celebration. It also notes that he marries Nancy in 2006, indicating a stable personal and professional life.