Transcript for:
מעל לתסמונת טורט: המסע של מורה

What's that? My name is Bradley Cohen. But when I was a kid, people called me by lots of names.

My brother Jeff called me Dr. Bobo. My mom called me Honey. And the kids at school, well, they called me everything from spaz to freak.

I didn't have many friends, actually, but I did have a constant companion. I can barely remember a time it wasn't there. Now, sometimes it wasn't a problem for me. The girl fell in the mud and got dirty. One thing my constant companion and I agreed on was that we hated school.

I couldn't wait till I got out. No more homework, no more books, no more teachers' dirty looks. My companion first showed up when I was six, but it was years before it had a name.

Now the shrink said I was just hyper. I made funny noises and acted weird to draw attention to myself. It was just a phase.

I'd grow out of it and be normal. Like everybody else. Through it all, my constant companion stuck with me. Now to my friends, I'm just regular old Brad. The guy who likes baseball, and who loves cheesy 80s music.

Which they think is much weirder than the noises I make. I'm cheesy, I'm low. La la la, la la la, baby.

Don't forget my number. Baby, it's from the Nintendo Oh, ba-ba-ba-ba, ba-ba-ba-ba Baby, I'm working Number Bo Afternoon officer. Was I speeding?

12 miles over the limit. St. Louis, huh? You a tourist?

Uh, no. I live in Atlanta now. I just moved here.

I guess I was a little distracted. Whoa! Whoa! Yep.

So, I'm going to be a little bit more careful. Son, you been drinking? No. No, sir.

I have Tourette's Syndrome. Yeah. Take it easy, son.

I'm going to need you to sign this, son. So what kind of job are you looking for? Teaching. Yeah.

I'm going to be a teacher. Uh-huh. I get that look a lot. I see you have a BA from Bradley University.

That's in Illinois, isn't it? Yes, ma'am. Graduated commodity?

High recommendations. Your student teaching evals are outstanding. Excellent. What made you decide to go into teaching? Uh, it's all I ever wanted to do.

I feel like I was born to teach. Why choose Atlanta? I mean, Missouri is your home.

Yeah, no, I'm, uh, I'm thinking of becoming a Braves fan. So, uh, Georgia honors my Illinois teaching certificate. Plus, I fell in love with Atlanta when I worked down here as a camp counselor.

I live here now. So does my dad and, uh, my stepmom. Fuck. Well, it's nice to have family here to give you support. Maybe we should talk about the elephant.

Elephant? In the room, my Tourette's. No, the Americans with Disabilities Act doesn't allow me to ask- I know, but I would like to tell you, just like I tell the kids in my classes.

See, I explain to them that it's a brain thing that causes me to make these strange noises. They're like sneezes. You're repressible when you have to.

Bop, bop. You have to. How do they react?

Once they understand, they're fine with it. It's never caused a problem in the classroom. Bop. All I want is a chance.

Just get me the interviews and let me prove to them that I can do the job. Chop, bop, chop! The Americans with Disabilities Act says I'm entitled to a chance.

Ron! Hey, how'd it go? Uh, you know, who wants a teacher that barks like a dog?

You should try another line of work. Are you serious? Didn't they look at your resume? Ah, you're kidding. They're setting up some interviews with some principals.

Fantastic! When? I don't know, I gotta wait for their calls. Get changed, we gotta go celebrate. Haven't you got a date?

Yeah, I'll see if she's got a friend. It's about time you start meeting some chicks. I can't focus on dating right now. Has anybody ever told you that you're obsessive?

Uh, only every shrink I ever saw. Well, have fun focusing. Oh, your dad called again. Maybe you should call him back.

You know? Alright, I'll see you later. Returning dad's call? I'd have to prepare for that. See, mom and dad had divorced when I was a little kid, and my relationship with dad had always been, uh, let's just say, complicated.

I mean, I wore out his patience like nails on a chalkboard. It didn't help that my brother Jeff was also a little hyper. Dad said he's waiting to get back to his home in Atlanta. He's waiting to say goodbye.

Bye. Bye. You're gonna make him mad.

Shut up. Come on, I'll race ya. Gets the green dragon, you gotta be kidding. Sucker! Cheer!

Jump, jump, jump, jump. Jump, jump, jump, jump. Sucker!

Jump, jump, jump, jump. Run. Jump, jump, jump, jump. You got it, I'll come by. Jump, jump, jump.

See ya, champ. jump jump hey that's not fair oh come on you're not gonna beat me oh that's not fair oh no you're not okay guys quiet down guys quiet down we do have neighbors you know come here see i did beat you yeah calm down brad come here come on honey focus will you come here come here stand here listen listen up focus please all right I need you guys to do me a favor. I want you both to make life a little easier for your mom, okay?

You are driving her nuts. Guys, listen. Hey, hey, stop it.

Brad, help her out around the house. But most of all, let us stop the obnoxious behavior, okay? Hey, listen, I mean it. Okay, quit the clowning. Your brother may think it's funny, but I don't.

I can't help it. Yes, you can. There's nothing wrong with you.

A little self-control wouldn't fix. Now stop it. Norman? Yeah? They're not going to hold that plane for you.

Okay, alright. Okay, give me a hug. See you, Dad! Bye-bye, J-Man. I love you, Dad.

Love you too, kiddo. And listen up! We'll stay at my house next time, okay?

I got tickets to a Braves game. And Brad, remember what we talked about. Self-control, alright?

Do you need any help with anything? Well, now that you mention it... After the divorce, Jeff and I helped mom with her new business.

Sort of a high-class traveling boutique. Well, maybe helped isn't exactly the right word. Oh, Ellen, these things are exquisite. You never find...

styles like this in St. Louis. It was direct from California. Beverly Hills. This is what everybody's wearing.

Look at... Boys! Boys! Hide and seek? You can't watch!

Now, Ellen, I don't want to see anything in double digits. Honey, everything in California runs small. Go ahead, just try it on. Brad, would you please calm down?

Barking like a dog, for goodness sake. Now look, don't take this the wrong way. You know I wouldn't say this to you if we weren't friends. But have you considered an exorcist? You know, I think you might face the fact that you're a size 12. I can cut the label out if it makes you feel better.

It's a new doctor. Let's just listen to what he has to say. What?

No one will have the same. Do you feel any anger toward your mother because of the divorce? What?

No. No. Do you resent your father because he doesn't live with you anymore?

What? No. Do you blame yourself for the divorce, Brad?

It happened when I was a little kid, but wow, I don't even remember. Mrs. Cohen, Brad has some serious denial issues regarding the divorce. What he needs at home are some clear boundaries.

He needs to understand that this behavior is totally unacceptable. And that, Mrs. Cohen, is your job. The hardest part was knowing how tough I made things for mom.

I tried as best as I could for her. Make sure he keeps taking his medication. And for dad, I played sports.

On the ball field, I fit right in. I mean, everybody makes funny noises and has strange takes at a baseball game. Come on, come on, come on! Come on, come on! Get him out, Brad, get him out!

Whoa! Brad, Brad, come on! Oh, Thank you very much. All right.

We'll get you. What? Hey, guys. I got something pretty exciting to tell you Honey, don't eat so fast You're gonna get the hiccups He's always got the hiccups You're a hiccup Listen, hey, would you just relax?

Mom says you're not taking your meds How are you ever How are you ever gonna calm down If you don't do what the doctor tells you to do? Pills just make it worse Oh, I see, so you're a doctor now too, huh? He's Dr. Bobo Shut up Alright, guys, listen, guys I have a very important announcement to make Guys God Guys, all right, that's it.

We're going back to the car. Come on. I'm still hungry. You know what would be nice? One day without you acting up.

One. Wait up, Dad. Shut up.

I've seen Outsman, Dad. I've been seeing somebody. What do you mean, seeing somebody?

Her name is Diane, and she... Stop! Brad, please. Stop doing that.

I can't. I mean, nothing's happened yet, but... How do you guys feel about having a stepmom?

No way. We've already got a mom. Well, now you're gonna have two.

Talk to your mom about it. She's fine with it. She said...

I said... Stop it! Stop it!

You see, I couldn't really blame Dad for losing it. My tics drove him nuts. Because, like my teachers, he had no name for my strange behavior.

Except, insufferable. Now somehow, I don't know how, I made okay grades. But what would take a normal person an hour took me two or three.

I mean, I loved learning, but I hated, hated reading. Trying to concentrate brought out the worst in my constant companion. Chuck, Chuck, Chuck, Chuck.

Brad, come up here, please. Shh. Oh, what? What? I know.

I know you think you're the class clown, but I've had it with you. I can't... Help!

Help it! That's what you always say. I don't want to hear any more excuses.

Your classmates are trying to study... And your clowning makes it impossible. I'm sorry. Don't apologize to me.

Apologize to them. Eyes up here, everyone. Sit up straight, please.

Brad has something to say to you. I'm sorry. I...

that you can't study because of me. And... you promise never to make any more silly noises ever again.

I promise I won't make any more silly noises ever again. Take your seat. All of you, back to your books. As difficult as this may be for you, Mrs. Cohen, I assure you the teachers are at their wits' end.

I understand that, of course. Cheryl, would you hold my calls? But I'll... No, no, this is going to have to be the last chance. I mean, the very last chance.

Brad, look, I sent for your mother. because things have just gotten out of control here. Now, she's going to take you home today. You can come back.

He can't help. Sorry, what did you say? He said he can't help it. Right. What if...

If he's telling the truth. You've got a bright boy, Mrs. Cohen. But making excuses for him...

Cut, cut, cut. Making excuses is not going to help. Now, he needs to use this time to ask himself... Brad, come on, let's go. ...this question.

Let's go. Why am I sabotaging myself? I don't care if they expel me. I hate that school.

Well, it's that school or another school. I hate all schools. Why are we going here?

To find some answers. I can't go on. in the library.

Well, throw me out. Please, Mom. All right, come here. Sit over here.

Well, maybe we're just going down the wrong track. Who? All of us.

Drop, drop, drop. Get off me! Chihuahua, Chihuahua! Okay, wait, I know you're busy, Norman.

I won't take up much of your time, but I really think that you should hear this. Boys, keep it down! I'm talking to your dad!

I want to talk to him! In a minute! Keep it down!

Listen, you know, those teachers and that doctor, to them it's all about bad parenting, which of course comes down to... to me because I'm the only one here. No, I'm not blaming you, Norman.

In fact, I'm going to stop blaming myself. I was talking to a friend, and she thinks that the doctors are missing something. I got this stack of medical books from the library, and I've been doing a little bit of research. Stop saying he just needs more discipline, Norman. Nothing I do helps.

He is out of control, and I am at the end of my rope. Can I talk to Dad? Can you just wait a minute, honey? Mom! Alright, but give him back to me when you're done.

What is it, Jeffrey? Hey, Dad. What?

That was a great game. I got two base hits and a walk. I'm sorry I caused you so much trouble, Mom. I want you to read something in this book I found. It's a medical book that might explain why you make all those noises.

I hate reading. Read. Tourette's syndrome.

That's... that's Brad, isn't it? The noises and the twitches. I'll still need to do more tests, but, um... You could be right.

We may have been headed down the wrong road here. Drop. I've never actually seen a case of Tourette's before.

So at last my constant companion had a name. This says there's no cure, but that may have changed. This is an old book.

That hasn't changed. This is common. I'm very sorry.

Yeah, but they're still looking for a cure, right? I mean, they will find one, won't they? They have to. It's okay, mom.

We'll get through this, alright? Go. You see, there's a reason, dad. Drop, drop.

I'm not being weird on purpose. Listen, uh, Brad. I, um... Alright, well, that's all I wanted to say. Finally, my dad believed me.

But he never believed in me. That I would succeed. That I could teach.

Hello, this is Brad. A dog! Yes, yes ma'am, that is my dog.

Uh, okay. Yes. Yes, I can be there at 11 a.m.

My very first interview. Great. That sounds great.

Okay, thank you. I tried not to overreact. I held in my tics.

Yes! Awful yes! After the first call, I got two more.

Three interviews with three principals. Needless to say, my constant companion was more than a little enthusiastic. Well, I see you only have your bachelor's degree. Are you planning to get your master's?

Yes, sir. Drop! As soon as I can. We don't require it for entry level.

Drop! Drop! But if you're serious about it...

I'm very serious. I want to make teaching my life. Drop!

Whoa! Whoa! I, uh... I make these noises because I have Tourette syndrome.

I'd like to tell you about it. It's a neurological disorder where my brain sends mixed signals to my body. It's like a sneeze.

It's irrepressible. I'll give you a call. Okay. Thank you very much.

Take care. Well, strike one. But, like mom always said, don't ever give up.

When I was little, Mom never stopped researching. Because, while there was no cure, there might be ways to live a normal life. Church Mom. Honey, you're not gonna have to get a Bible lesson. It's just a support group.

Do I have to? You need to connect with other people who have Tourette's. Find out how they live with it.

Okay? Drop! Let's do it. Not going in there.

I'd never seen anyone with Tourette's before. There were eye blinkers and nose twitchers, foot stompers and neck jerkers, some of them yelped and coughed. Is this what I looked like to other people? What? Come on, Bow-Bow.

You're here to learn. Start learning. The Americans with Disabilities Act gives us the right to do anything or go any place that we want to. Try going to a movie or a concert or a restaurant.

That all doesn't mean anything when people are yelling at you to shut up. Shut up. I come home and my parents close the windows and blinds because they don't want the neighbors to see me. No one was even trying to be accepted.

The adults were out of work. The kids stayed at home. I knew one thing.

I didn't want to be like them. Even the coaches on his team wouldn't accept him. Oh, I'd had it. Of course, your home's going, too. No, Brad goes to school like any other kid.

These kids aren't like any other kid. school's a waste of time for them I take them out of the third grade just to save my sanity you want my advice what you'll do the same let's go Bobo It's supposed to be a support group. Where's the support? I'm supposed to just hide away for the rest of your life?

I'm really so sorry that I brought you there, honey. Let's just forget this. I don't want to forget this, mom. These people let your ass win. I'm never going to do that.

It's difficult to imagine that at the age of 12, I would find a genuine philosophy to live by. But here it was, this defining moment. To always face my adversity head on.

When I went to my next interview, I decided to be even more upfront. Get the Tourette stuff out of the way first, and then dazzle them with my approach to teaching. You seem to have been very successful in spite of your Tourette's.

I've worked very hard to become the best teacher I can be. Thank you for coming in. I'll let you know.

Thanks. So much for being upfront. For my third interview, I decided to avoid discussing my Tourette's at all. Each week I like to send home a progress report to my students' parents. I like to give my students a voice in their learning.

To be hands-on and interactive in the classroom. But also to keep the parents closely involved. Ron, it was a huge mistake not mentioning my Tourette's. What?

What? It was like, you know, I was trying to hide it. Fat chance.

What? Okay, that's a negative. No, the negative is you gotta stop stressing out.

Stressing me out. But the positive is that, hey, the others didn't seem to have a problem with it, right? I just, I gotta wait for the call. The positive is you're coming out with me. My new girlfriend, she has a roommate.

Will you stop trying to set me up? What? What?

When I'm ready to date, I will date. Come on, she's heard all about you and she still wants to meet you. Oh, thanks.

You're real kind. Listen, I want to relax, okay? I want to watch the Braves. We all want to watch the Braves.

Get changed. Someone like you. Oh, Ron tells me that you're on a big job. Oh. You do this?

I'm impressed by this. That's amazing. So you are really a sports fan?

Ah, yes, big time. Yep, I play the Latin. I hear that because I wish I was good enough to be him.

Who? Him. Oh, you want to be a mascot?

His name is Homer. Homer. And it's a lifelong ambition.

Okay. All right. Don't look now.

Okay. Don't look now. There's this guy behind us, and I don't know what his problem is.

Yeah. Keep staring. Ah. I actually get that look a lot. It's a look of envy.

He's thinking, how can I make cool noises like that guy? Bye Homer! So that must have gone well, huh? Did you ask her out again?

Yeah, I asked. But it's second date syndrome. You know I'm a great guy, she had a lot of fun, but uh...

Your tics are just too cool for her. I actually know what she says because my roommate's breath smells so bad. What do you mean? You know what I mean. This is Brad.

Oh, hey, Dad. Yeah, no, Ron told me you called. I just thought, you know, I've been so busy that... No, I haven't had lunch yet.

All right, that sounds great. Where do you want to meet? Lunch at Dad's work.

He wouldn't have to worry about my noises there. Let me know if you need any more of those trusses, okay? All right.

Hey. Hey! Hey, Dad. See if I'm on your way.

Yeah. Let's go have lunch outside my office. Be a little more private. All right.

Diane's wondering when you're going to come by. I guess you've been pretty busy with the job, Mike. Any luck?

Still interviewing. How's that going? Have they given you any trouble with your, uh... You can say the word, Dad.

Tourette's. Some of them are. Some of them aren't.

How's your money holding up? I'm not asking you for money. I know that.

You've never asked me for anything. No. But if you ever do get short, you know you've got a job with me.

I'm gonna teach, Dad. Drop, drop! Okay?

I can't let anything get in the way of that. Okay. I'm just saying there's nothing wrong with keeping your options open in case things don't work out. You know, there are other things besides teaching.

Not for me. Dad could never understand my optimism. Like when I graduated to middle school, I was really hopeful things would be different. What's the matter, Brad? Eatin' alone?

Make a fresh start. New school. New friends.

Same result. We're going to be talking about fractions. Fractions are your friend.

Use fractions in everyday life. You just don't realize it. For example, say your mother bakes a pie. She cuts the...

Cohen, just go to the principal's office. Not the best way to introduce myself to the principal. What do you think a school's for, Brad?

What? Drop! I'm sorry, I keep disrupting the class.

You're not answering my question. What's a school for? To educate, isn't it?

What? Drop! To use knowledge to wipe out ignorance.

School's Orchestra is having a concert this afternoon. You plan on going? No, sir.

My tics will ruin the music. Hmm. I want you to be there.

Everybody just keep your seats for a minute please. Thank you. You enjoy the concert?

Great job. Did you hear any noises during the quiet parks? Yeah, so did I. They're pretty annoying, aren't they?

The person making those noises is Brad Cohen. Come on up here, Brad. Stop stop! Jump! What?

What? Do you like making noises and upsetting people, Brad? No, sir. Then why do you do it?

Well, because I have Tourette's Syndrome. What's that? It's a thing in my brain that causes me to make weird noises.

But you could control it if you wanted to, right? No, sir. It's a sickness. Well, why can't you just get cured? There isn't any cure.

I don't like making noises anymore than you like hearing them. They're even worse when I get stressed, when you don't accept that I can't stop them. But when I feel accepted, then they're not so bad. What can we do?

And I mean everyone in this school. What can we do to help you, Brad? I just want to be treated like everybody else. Good job. Give me some more.

Stop. Stop. drop A little education and it was like opening a door to a brand new world.

Now someday, someway I knew, Tourette's or no Tourette's, I was going to be a teacher. I had no choice but to prove Tourette's would never get the best of me. If I quit, I'd be agreeing with everyone who had ever told me I was barking up the wrong tree. Sorry about the air conditioning. It's supposed to have already been fixed by now.

No, that's not it. Well, your resume looks okay. And we do have an opening in the fifth grade.

Okay. But I do have to tell you, this is a tough place to work. We've got some really hard cases.

Well, I take that as a challenge. I don't believe that any kid is hopeless. They all want to learn. You can't ever give up on them.

You just got to find the right way to teach them. You got something stuck in your throat. Would you like a drink? I have Tourette's syndrome.

I'd like to tell you about it. Tourette's isn't... That where you yell out obscenities?

That's coprolalia. That's a rare symptom that a small percentage of people with Tourette's have. I don't have that.

Okay, listen, they did not tell me that you were going to be handicapped. How do you expect to handle a bunch of wild students with a handicapped personality? Well, by educating them.

By letting them know that it's okay to talk about it. It's okay to ask questions. These students would laugh at you.

Uh. Not when I understand that it's simply a matter of my... Okay, I have seen teachers with disabilities before, and never with what you've got. I just don't see how you could ever teach a class.

I can teach. Look at my resume. Look at it. Okay, I was very successful as a student teacher. My threats never posed a problem.

I can teach. Okay, bottom line. I need somebody now for the fifth grade.

You want to teach here, you're going to have to refrain from making these noises in class. You know what? Thank you very much for the interview. But don't you want the job? Yes, actually.

I want it really bad. But I would never, ever work for a man that doesn't care about his students. So I'll take my portfolio and take no more of your time. You've got a great boss. It was the worst interview I've ever had.

All he could see when he looked at me was my Tourette's. That's all any of them see. Well, honey, if they can't see what a great teacher you would be, that is their failure, not yours. Well, it sure seems like my failure.

Well, if you say so. You know what? Why don't you just throw in the towel and come home, huh?

I'll buy you a ticket. I'm not saying that. Really?

It sounds like that's what you're saying. It sounds like you're letting Tourette's win. I am not letting Tourette's win. Really? Yes, really.

Look, I'm never going to give up. I just... I have to find the right school. You will, Bobo. You will.

So I decided it wasn't Tourette's. I just hadn't found the right school yet. I'd keep parking and I wasn't quitting until I found that principal. I made a map of every school where I hadn't interviewed. If the principal wasn't in, I'd give my resume to a secretary or a janitor and ask them to drop it off when the principal returned.

I didn't care. I needed a job. I wasn't gonna stop until I had one.

You'll be starting at the bottom, but that's no big deal. That's where I started. And you're working 7 to 4. I told you this was only part-time. I need to keep my mornings open for interviews.

I thought that school had started already. No, not at all. Well, we'll see what happens.

Here are your... your tools of the trade, at least for the time being, like I said, at the bottom. But every job is important here, and who knows, maybe you end up liking it.

And if you put your time in, you know, you hear what I just said? I'm only working here until I get a teaching job. All that stuff has to go in the dumpster.

The hiring season was ending. My interviews had dried up. School had started. I was running out of time and money.

And hope. Diane. I gave up on you ever coming to me, so I just came to you. You busy? It was my stepmom Diane trying to build bridges with bagels.

Your dad built his business with his own two hands. You can't blame him for wanting you to be a part of it. He's just being a dad. He wants you in his life.

So how do you like Atlanta? You meeting any nice girls? I'm just saying all the right things, huh? Let me get your refill.

Brad. Brad. Your dad loves you.

So much. He just doesn't want to see you get hurt. The only thing that hurts is the fact that he has never accepted who I am.

See, he's got this idea of a perfect son who is normal and does normal things. Well, I'm never going to be normal. Well, maybe that's not his idea, Brad. Maybe that's yours. You're right.

You are not normal. You have a gift to teach. And it's not in spite of your Tourette's. It's because of it. I have to go.

Slider low and outside. Hello, this is Brad. Uh, yes, that's a sheepdog.

Uh-huh. Yep, Brad Cohen. 10 o'clock is perfect for me. Absolutely.

Okay, great. You must be Brad Cohen. Hi.

Him, I'll be. I'm the principal around here. Hillary Straka, assistant principal.

Hi. Come on in the office, Brad. We heard you're coming all the way from the parking lot.

I hear you've been making the rounds. 25 schools so far. And here's my resume.

We can look at that in a minute, Brad. Just come on in and tell us why you want to be a teacher. Okay. Well, it's, uh, well, it's all I ever wanted to be, ever since I was in school. You must have had some pretty inspiring teachers.

Oh, well, I had an inspiring principal, Mr. Meyer. But my teachers, they really only inspired me to be the kind of teachers that they never were. What kind of teacher is that?

One who makes it possible for a kid to learn, even if he's different. In a way, the best teacher I ever had was my dress. You don't have to talk about that.

No, it's okay. I make a point of being open about it. It's never off-limits to my students. They can ask me anything they want about it at any time. You must get some pretty interesting questions.

Oh, yeah. Sometimes it gets really personal. I hope this question isn't too personal, Brad. Do you make those noises in your sleep?

I don't know. I'm asleep. No, no, I don't tick in my sleep.

When I'm relaxed, the noises give me a little bit of a break. Like just now. Okay, Brett.

I want to hear more about your teaching philosophy. Yeah, I'd love to tell you about my teaching philosophy. We talked for nearly two hours. It was the best interview I had ever had. Well, Brad, it was a pleasure to meet you.

Yeah, you too. You too. We've still got a few more teachers to interview, but we'll let you know when we've made a decision. Okay, great.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Yes!

Still, my constant companion, as always, warned me not to get my hopes up. But hope is a hard habit to break. Oh! I was called one last time and asked to come in and meet with the second grade staff.

Oh, so you student taught second grade. Oh, I love second grade. The kids are still so open-minded.

They're open to everything. Yes, but... You do manage to maintain a little discipline, right?

While they're being so open? I do let them know what the boundaries are. Yes. So, Brad, what do you think is the most important thing you have to teach? Yeah.

Uh, well... Besides the importance of reading and the value of math, that it's okay to be yourself. It's okay to color outside the lines if that's who you are. So, um, it's okay to ignore the boundaries? No, and I didn't...

I'm sorry, but how can you expect kids to learn when you're doing that all the time? Oh, come on, Brenda. No, no, no, it's okay.

It's a valid question, and I want to answer it. Before they know it. know me, kids sometimes do think I'm just weird or even scary.

But once I educate them about my Tourette's and they can see that Mr. Cohen is a real person who just happens to make funny noises, well, then they accept me as a good teacher, just like they accept all of you. Well, maybe we should all try to be more like second graders. Does anyone have any other question for Mr. Cohen?

Brad, thanks for coming in. The school will be in touch with you, so just be patient. It's hard to be patient when you feel as though you've blown your last chance. And patience was never my constant companion strong suit.

I'm guessing you never heard from that school. No, not yet. They're still interviewing.

I'm not worried. Okay. Is that supposed to mean... mean? I just said okay.

I know what you mean. You don't think anybody would hire me if they had a choice. Are you a mind reader now? You know what, Dad? This is gonna be my last day here.

Well, why don't you wait and see if you got the job first? I'm gonna get the job, Dad. I just have to stay focused.

Why can't you stay focused and realistic at the same time? What's wrong with that? Whoa, are you alright, man? You'll knock yourself out doing that. What if that happens while you're driving?

I'm fine. Ah, yeah, I don't know. You ought to see another doctor. I've seen doctors my whole life, Ron. Okay, they don't help.

Well, don't you think you need to see somebody? I really don't. Just...

There I was, waiting for the phone ring again. I tried to convince myself something good would happen. My kid brother. Not exactly what I had in mind. How you doing, Bobo?

Jeff! What are you doing here? Why didn't you tell me you were coming? You know you're in your boxers, right? Did Mom send you to check up on me?

Why? You need checking up on her? No, but...

That's great. You get the couch. Whoa!

Nice clubs. Are these new? Uh, they're Dad's.

He let me borrow them. I thought maybe you and I could play a little golf. He got us a tee-time at his club. So what do you think? Three iron from here, little bro?

Hey, by the way, thanks for the round. Thank Dad. Oh, wait.

I forgot. You guys aren't speaking. I don't want to talk about Dad right now.

You're just saying that to rattle me because you know I'm going to beat you. I'm serious. Brad, you and dad gotta start getting along. We get along just fine. As long as we keep it long distance.

Is that why you moved down here? To keep it long distance? I mean, it's not like you have anything to prove to him, right?

What are you now, Jeff? A shrink? Dr. Jeff, huh? I'm sorry.

Sir, I'm going to have to ask you to stop making those noises. Look, pal, he's not doing it. No, no, no, I can handle it, Jeff. I got it.

Look, it's just not fair to the other golfers. No, I understand. I can't help making these noises. Because I have Tourette syndrome. It's a neurological disorder.

I'd like to tell you about it. You're going to have to leave the course. I've got to think of the other members.

Hey Joe, leave the guy alone, he's fine. Hey man, we're twosome and our buddies don't appear to be showing. Would you like to join us? If you don't leave, I'm gonna have to call security. Okay, okay, um, okay.

Thanks guys, maybe next year, alright? Jeff, come on. Come on, buddy. Thanks. Come on, Jeff.

It's not like you haven't seen it before. How can you stand living in a world where everybody is so ignorant? Everybody's not.

You saw those golfers back there? They went to bat for me. My life is full of people like that.

That's not always my experience. Well, that's because you're always getting into fights, taking off for me. You and mom.

You've always been there for me and my tics. You know what? What?

You're beginning to tick me off. Oh, yeah? What?

Hey! Sucker! Hey! Jeff's visit did give me a break from my worries.

And right after he left, I got a call from the school. The principal wanted to see me in his office. Just like old times.

Ah! Pretty noisy, huh? And yet somehow the kids manage, don't they? Yes, they do.

They do. Hillary and I discussed you with the teachers, and we talked about how proud we are of teaching our kids to never let anything hold them back in life. And Hillary said if we're going to talk the talk, we need to walk the walk. She's waiting to show you your classroom. Welcome.

Second grade is overcrowded, so we've had to create a new class. Your kids are being taken out of other rooms, so some of them might be a little confused. They've already been in school for three weeks.

There's your student roster. Fun. Fun starts Monday, Brad. Let me know if there's anything you need. I need everything.

I looked down at that roster like I was announcing the starting lineup for an all-star baseball game. Hillary, this is, uh, thank you. Hey, we thought you might need these.

Hey, everybody, bring them in. Just put them down anywhere. We'll get them arranged. Here, let me help you with that.

Thank you. Welcome to Mountain View. Yeah, mom, it's phenomenal, but you know it's taken me so long to get here I still have to remind myself that I'm just at the beginning.

Wuh, wuh! Honey, that is... That is wonderful news. That's wonderful. Yes, mom, it is absolutely wonderful, but you know they've only given me a con- for a year, okay?

But, but, I still have to prove to them that they've made the right choice. Honey, listen, just take a moment to enjoy this. Oh, my gosh.

Oh, my... Did you call your father? He is gonna be so proud of you.

I will, Mom. But, you know, right now, I literally have about two weeks of preparation. to do in about two days. And, you know, now that I have the job, I got to really seriously start working on getting my master's degree. Okay, one thing at a time.

All right? Listen, are there any cute teachers at that school? Mom!

I want you to be happy. Okay, all right. Yes, don't worry.

I'm working on that, too. I got to go. Goodbye. You must be Brad.

You must be Nancy. Hi, I'm Brad. I know. Right, of course.

I guess I'm a little nervous. Please. This is my first time computer dating, so...

Oh, yeah. Me too. My mom thinks it's dangerous.

Well, yeah. I mean, you never know what kind of weirdo you might meet. But you look pretty normal, so... Good, I'm glad. Actually, you look much better than normal.

Thank you. So, uh, I guess we're just supposed to tell each other our life stories, or... Um, okay, do you think I... Do you think I could get a cup of coffee first? Cup of coffee?

Yeah. Right. Yeah, of course, coming up.

Thanks. Uh, do you want, like, a muffin? I'm on a diet.

But I would love a muffin. So what kind of music do you listen to? Well, um, mostly oldies stuff. Especially Sting. I love Sting.

Madonna, Bon Jovi, you know. Milli Vanilli? I love Milli Vanilli. Really?

Wait, you too? We've got to be the only two people on earth that love Milli Vanilli. You do not.

Yeah. Well, I had a really nice time. Thank you. I shouldn't have that muffin, but...

I really enjoyed meeting you. Yeah, me too. Okay, well, thanks again, Brad. Ah! Yeah.

Help! Help! I can't believe you. You said she was perfect.

She was perfect. I just didn't want to ruin it. Oh, by asking her out again? Hup! Ah, right.

Second date syndrome. So is that going to be your life? Nothing but first and only dates? How do you ever expect to have a relationship? Maybe I don't!

Hup! And you're holding my hand, cause as time goes by, you got to understand, it's you. In your eyes I see it so clearly, that I love you so strong, and you'll never go wrong. I got the best for you. So when you're in doubt and needing someone, baby call my line, call me anytime.

I'll be back. I've been searching high. I've been searching low.

Baby, baby, baby Don't forget my number I'm falling in love with you I see you Oh, oh Weirdo What? Did your teachers warn you that Mr. Cohen makes funny noises? Yeah!

She said you have tor- tor- Tourette syndrome. Okay, anything you want to know about it, I want you to ask. Yes. Is it catching?

No, absolutely not. You have to be born with it. Like I was.

Does it hurt? Well, sometimes, like when my neck jerks, but the noises do not hurt at all. These are great questions. Keep them coming. And it's okay to ask me anything about Tourette's.

Yes. Can you go to movies? Yes, I can go to movies, but sometimes I get kicked out, and that makes me sad.

What's the bunny's name? W-w-waffle. W-w-waffle? It's just waffle! Alright guys.

Any more questions about Tourette's? Anyone? Are they ever going to make you well, Mr. Cohen? Well, right now there is no medicine that can cure Tourette's.

But it's okay, because I've learned to accept it, and I don't let it run my life. Uh-huh? What can't you do?

Like, can you not eat? Oh, I can eat. Okay, I eat a lot. In fact, I can do anything that anybody else can do, except there is one thing that Mr. Cohen can never do. What?

No, I can't. What is it? No, I just can't. Yeah, tell us.

Yeah, tell us. Mr. Cohen can never play WAH! WAH! Hide and go seek Why can't she play hide and seek?

Cause they hear him stupid. Well that's the right answer, but it's the wrong words because there won't be any name calling in Mr. Cohen's class. Excuse me, where are you going?

Bathroom. And what's your name? Thomas.

Okay, well Thomas, if you want to leave your seat you have to ask for permission. Weirdo. All right, Caitlin. Bye, Mr. Cohen.

Oh, bye, Heather. Bop, bop. I'll see you tomorrow.

Bop, bop, bop. Oh, well, thank you, Amanda. How you doing, Mr. Wright?

Come on. Eli Thomas, which one of you guys thinks that you can help me, huh? I can't, I can't! Alright, alright, here's the deal. I need to get this ball and put it back in that bin.

Why don't you guys shoot for it? Rock, paper, scissors! Shoot!

Woo! All right, Eli, you win today. Boom!

Come on, Liv! It's okay, Thomas, you can help him. Sorry I stuck you with Thomas.

He was making my class impossible. He's got a whole alphabet of problems. A-D-D, A-D-H-D, O-C-D.

You want my advice, you'll pass him on to special ed. No. I can't, uh, I can't do that. Oh, see how you feel after he's trashed a few classes. He'll be all right.

I just need to get settled. I can't wait for tomorrow. Okay.

You make more noise than my air horn. Sounds like you got a healthy case of Tourette's. I was just kidding with you, son.

I've got a dispatcher buddy with T.S. You ever need any cross-country hauling, just call for Maxine. Hey, um, do you have a card?

I wasn't being serious, son. Unless you're in the shipping business. No, I teach second grade. Here's the car. Maxime gave me a great idea for a geography lesson.

Thank you so much, Maxime. You're welcome. Safe trucking. I found myself focusing on teaching all the time.

Well, almost. Mr. Cohen! Hey!

My mom said to ask if it's okay to have a baby. If it's okay. Is what okay, Heather? If I give this to Waffle. You tell your mom that I said that's fine.

Okay? Okay. Mom, did I say it's okay? Yeah. Okay.

Yeah. Love you. I love you too.

I love you. You have a good day, okay? Okay. I'll see you right after school. Okay.

Bye. Amanda, is everything alright? I want to be in your class, Mr. Cohen.

You are in my class, Amanda. No, he made them take me out. See you after school, honey, okay?

It's not fair! Is everything okay? I'm Amanda's teacher, Mr. Cohen. Drop me that yesterday.

No, no, no, there's nothing wrong. I just have to do what's right for my daughter. Come on, Amanda. Come on.

He's concerned about Amanda's ability to concentrate. He just thought that you'd make it a little harder for her. Can't he just give me a chance?

Drop, drop! We've only just started. I pointed that out.

And? You said he's sympathetic, but that Amanda needs... as he put it, a normal teacher.

Don't take it to heart, Red. Parents are the hardest part of the job. All right, who can tell me the names of the capitals Maxine and her big red truck have passed through? Yeah. Anybody?

All these hands. Excuse me. Excuse me.

Oh, man. Who do I choose? I don't know.

Heather. Atlanta. Nashville. Springfield.

That's great. Because a lot of people think it's Chicago. And this is Springfield, right? Yeah.

Any of that? Oh, that's right! What am I thinking? This is Springfield. Columbus, Springfield's over there, Mr. Cohen.

Where is it, Eli? Over here? No! Where is Springfield?

I don't know. You guys gotta point it out for me. Point it out. Point it out. I don't see it, Eli.

Ah, I see it. What? What?

You're telling me that this is Springfield, right? Yeah! You don't have permission to leave your seat, Thomas. That's right, Mr. Cohen has eyes in the back of his head. Go back and sit down, please.

And next time, ask. When you sharpen my pencil. Now, Thomas. What? What?

All right, now, where's Maxine and her big red truck gonna be on Tuesday? See you bright and early tomorrow, David. All right. Hey, remember to walk.

I really like your hat, Mr. Cohen. Oh, thank you, Heather. I like your hair.

It's just short because of the medicine. Bye. Bye, honey.

Can you wait right here for just a minute? Sure. Okay.

Hey, um, I've been meaning to come speak to you about Heather. I think I know. Yeah, um, we were just reluctant to tell anyone at first.

Of course, it was only a matter of time before the chemo became obvious, so... What? Is, uh, is she gonna be okay? Um, Heather just loves your class. She can't wait to get to school every day.

And, um, I'd be grateful if you kept our secret a little longer. I just don't want her to be singled out. Yeah.

Alright, baby girl. Let's go. Bye.

Uh-oh. What do you think? What do you think?

I already have that one. What? Looks great on you though. Hey, what's wrong? Oh, nothing.

I'm just focusing on school stuff. You can focus on me for a minute. Sorry. Hey, hey, hey.

Try this one on. It'll make you feel better. Yeah.

Okay. Yes. Yeah?

Yes. Really? Oh, my goodness. This suits you. More than you know.

I've, uh... The silence time... to go for my master's degree. Wow.

Wow. Does that mean you'll be going away? No, I'd go locally.

Well, anyhow, I have to pass the entrance test to graduate school first, so... Wait, isn't that like the SATs? Do you have to take that in a big room with a lot of people? Yeah, they said I could have a room all to myself. What?

Good. Tourette's does have its privileges. Would it bother you if I did go away? Of course it wouldn't, can't it?

Get out of here! Come here, I wanna show you something. Crazy.

Chup! Chup! Merrick? Hey, uh, choo choo choo choo. It's Brad Cohen.

Brad Cohen? Here you are, Mr. Cohen. All right, I need you to take this packet, and I need you to go right in there for me.

Oh, I'm supposed to have special accommodations? I don't have any notation of that. I mean, everybody tests on the same conditions to date. Okay, yeah, but I called, and they said... They said that I could have a space to myself.

You know what? I need you to talk to the administrator about that. His office is right over there.

Chuck! I can't make an exception. We're not set up that way. They promised, and I have the right to special testing accommodations.

Listen, I'm sorry about your disability, but there isn't anything that I can do. If you want to take the test, you need to go in there now. Look at me.

How could anybody possibly concentrate if I'm in that room? Listen, I have to start the exam now. Do you need me to call you a doctor?

Isn't there anyone you could call for help? Brett, calm down. I can't understand you. But they said you could take it alone? Okay, all right, no problem.

I'll be right there. Did something happen? Whoa, whoa!

Drop! You can take the test and you'll have a room to yourself. What did you say to them? Talk!

Magic word. Lawsuit. I gotta get to work.

Hey Dad. Yeah? Thanks.

Good luck on the test. As it turned out, I needed more than just dad's good luck. I needed time. With the clock and my Tourette's ticking away, I failed to get all the way through the test.

Good job guys. Thomas, I am so proud of you. Thank you, Mr. Thomas.

Wow. Look at that turkey, Heather. Thank you. So, are you going to have a big Thanksgiving this year?

Uh-huh. Mom says all my grandparents are going to come. Well, that sounds special.

Except when they cry. They try to hide it, but I always see them. Can I pet Waffle? You bet you can pet Waffle.

Are you gonna have a good Thanksgiving, Mr. Cohen? Yes, I am. Me and Waffle are gonna take a little trip to see my mom in St. Louis.

I know where that is. Yeah? Well that is super, Heather.

That's exactly where it is. Now do me a favor, will you? And I'm gonna trust you to take good care of my friend Waffle.

Alright? Sure. And I will be right back.

Hi, Amanda. Shouldn't you be in your class? Alright, come on. I'll walk you to your room.

Why can't I be in your class, Mr. Cohen? Well, uh, your father had to do what was best for you, Amanda. And you know what? You've got a great teacher.

Okay. See you later, Mr. Cohen. Jo!

Busted. Where did you learn those words, Thomas? You know you're not supposed to leave the classroom without asking? Well, you're gonna clean that up. Jo!

Jo! And then, uh, you're on detention. No recess.

But you do get an A for spelling. You can't read it if you don't open it, Thomas. I hate reading.

So do I. You do? Yeah. Reading is really hard for me. It's not hard for you.

You're a teacher. You want to bet? Let's play a game.

You be Mr. Cohen trying to read, and I will be Tourette's Syndrome, okay? Read this page. Once upon a time...

What? What? What?

Keep reading. Upon a time there was a... Itches!

Did it itch a little bit? Alright, keep reading. There was a...

HATE... THOMAS! Alright, that's hard isn't it?

It's hard to concentrate. That's how hard reading is for me. It's not that hard for you, is it?

No, it's easy for me. But, how can you be a teacher if you hate books? Hate books? I don't hate books. Everything in the world is in books.

I just have to work extra hard to get it out. I'm not going to give up on you, buddy. Okay?

And I'm not going to let you give up on yourself. Now keep reading right here. Once upon a time, there was a magician.

A magician who met a small boy. A small boy who was trying to pull a big sword off a big rock. Weird. Why would a sword be in a rock? Well, I don't know, but if you, uh, keep reading, you might just find out.

The magician told the small boy that whoever could pull the sword out of the rock would be the true king. Cool. Keep going. What happens next?

I'll see you through I've been searching high. I've been searching high. I've been searching low.

I've been searching low. Once in my life with you. Hey, what's wrong?

I'm so nervous. What's there to be nervous about? You're just going to meet my mom.

What? Thank you. Dad, That's helpful. And Jeff. And my aunts and uncles.

And anybody I've ever loved in my entire life. Prepare yourself. This is big. That's right.

Prepare yourself. We're here. Oh. I can't believe I'm finally seeing Nancy! You're even prettier than I thought!

Brad has told me so much about you, Mrs. Cohen. Oh, Ellen. Well, that's more than he tells me about you. But what?

What did I tell you all about, Nancy? Oh, you never tell me the real stuff. Come on, Nancy. Bobo, get the bags, honey.

Yes, Bobo, get on that. So, are you exhausted? Oh, good, because we have a pedicure appointment in an hour.

This is Nancy, who I was telling you about. And, don't wait, Janice. You can't come in with Nancy.

That's Nancy. One other person. Mom's going a little overboard making Nancy feel like family. Is that a possibility, her being family? I don't know.

I mean, you know, I know, but I don't, I don't, I don't. Oh, yeah, it's serious. Has she met dad? No, no, no, no, no, no. Well, what are you waiting for?

Hey, back off, will ya? That was the same advice. And he ended up falling flat, and then he hit his head straight against the curb and gave himself a concussion.

I mean, it just, it scares me, right? I never thought about it before. I never dared think about it.

Look, Brad. She understands about your noises. She doesn't care. You know, you make her happy. She told me that.

Brad. You make her laugh. Well, what if one day she stops laughing?

What if one day she gets fed up of living with someone who... I just... I don't want to hurt her, Mom.

Baby, you don't want to get hurt. Oh. The only thing that can hurt either of you is if you let Tourette's drive her away from you.

You let it win. Heather's mother had called to say Heather was no longer able to attend school. So the class all pitched in to cheer her up. Oh wow, look at this table.

Looks very good. Oh, this looks great over here. The news we'd all been dreading came a few weeks later. Hey.

Hi Mr. Cohen. What's up Henry? Hi.

Hey Eli. Hi Mr. Cohen. Hey Mr. Cohen.

What's up Galen? These are my grandparents, James and Shirley. Yeah. What?

Sir, they're about to start the service. You, you go ahead. Mr. Cohen?

Aren't you coming in? I'm sorry. I thought I could, but I, uh...

I think I'd be too disruptive. You made such a huge difference in Heather's life. You were her favorite teacher. Please don't leave without saying goodbye to her.

Okay, Thomas, what is your team's word? Weird. Weird. Anybody not on Thomas' team know what that word means. Strange.

Creepy. Scary. Very good.

Who can... use the word weird in the set. 25, 30, 35, 40, 40, the girl in the pigtails, 50 galen. I like weird movies.

Sorry, Mr. Cohen. I know you can't go to them because you get thrown out at the movie theater. Well, that's...

That's okay, Galen. Boom, because I can rent movies, and I also like weird movies. So weird is a good word, right? But what if someone comes up to you and they say, Hey, yo, yeah, you, I'm talking to you, you're weird.

Is it still a good word? No. Wait, what's that? Come on! Okay, everyone stay in your seat.

It's Maxine and Big Red! Mr. Colin, can't we go see them? Okay, but everyone inside the room.

inside voices, everyone line up by the door, and no running. What? I see something.

You got it. Yeah, exactly. Exactly. Alright, Eli, get in there, man.

Alright, but be careful. Yes, Eli. What do you think of it?

Pretty cool, huh? Eli! What did I tell you, all right?

Don't call me no more, or else you guys are coming down. Sorry, Maxine. That's all right. What? Kids will be kids.

Yes, yeah. Yeah, they will. They still get along? Well, it looks like it.

Give them time. Oh, I like Nancy. She reminds me of your mom when we first met. They don't look anything alike.

I'm not talking about looks, I'm talking about that spark, you know, that spirit, that je ne sais quoi. How are things at school? Uh, you know, we got more books than bookcases, roof leaks, cutbacks.

A little worried they might not ask me back next year. There's plenty of teachers with a lot more experience than me. I'm proud of you regardless. It doesn't feel that way.

Why do I feel like you're still embarrassed by me? And it's okay, Dad, you can admit it. You're not trying to start something.

No, no, no. But, you know, we're talking. And, uh, it's good, so let's talk. I've always been an embarrassment to you. I have, haven't I?

Even when you used to come visit me, you used to squirm when all those eyeballs would click my way. Bop! Bop!

You've never been able to accept it. You're right. Bop!

It is tough being with you sometimes. I hate it when we go to restaurants and people give you those looks. Sometimes I want to just...

I just feel so helpless. You know, I've always been a guy who could fix things. But the one thing I could never fix was the one thing that was hurting you most. It doesn't need fixing.

Nobody can fix it. I know. I know.

But maybe it's my fault. Maybe I gave it to you. I think these babies are done.

Come on guys, we only got two minutes until the media center closes. Hurry up back there. Stay to the side guys, stay to the side. What did I tell you?

Guys in the back, come on, hurry up. Dad, what are you doing here? Said you needed bookshelves, didn't you? Your father's built us new bookshelves for the library. Things are a little slow at the office.

This way, gentlemen. Oh, and I got you something for your collection. Put it on, Mr. Cohen!

Hard hat for an extremely hard head. Hey class, that's my dad. Hi Mr. Goode.

Come on. And Hillary didn't say what this was about. No idea. We were at recess and she said she needs to see you in the classroom.

I think it might be about next year. Here he is. Brad, can you come over here a minute, please? Hillary's got an announcement to make.

Some of you may have noticed an observer hanging around school the last few weeks. Well, he was here to assess one of our teachers, Mr. Cohen. And I'm here to announce that our very own Brad Cohen has been chosen from amongst all the new educators in the state of Georgia to be Sally Mae's first year teacher of the year.

As I looked at my students, I felt like a kid inside. Because children look at life differently than most adults. They see the world and say, I will.

Not, I can't. And so did I. This shirt is too tight for labels. drop drop drop come on bobo you can get through this don't worry he's gonna get through it the noise you just heard is the Tourette syndrome I've been living with since I was six years old I'm standing up here today because the love and support of a lot of people put me up here. My family, my school family, my students, and all my friends.

I owe this award to all of them, but I also owe it to the toughest and most dedicated teacher I have ever had, my constant companion, my Tourette's. You may think that's pretty weird to thank a disability and calling it a great teacher, that's really weird. I mean, what could I possibly learn from a disability?

Yes, Galen? You learn to keep going. Eli? You learn not to let it stop you. Yes Thomas.

You learn not to let it win. That's right. Coping with my Tourette's has taught me the most valuable lesson that anyone could ever learn. And that is to never let anything stop you from chasing your dream. From working or playing or falling in love.

That's right. Coping with my threats has taught me the most valuable lesson that... Yes, Thomas. Can you bring that award to Show and Tell on Monday? You bet.