Movie: "Front of the Class"

I used to tutor a kid who had a whole bunch of neurological issues which ranged from bleeding through his nose regularly to Tourette's Syndrome. He struggled very much in school because of low self-esteem and the lack of acceptance and understanding from his peers. When I watched this movie recently, it brought to mind   the struggles that he had and class discussions about differentiated learning for students who excel in different areas and how different forms of assessment can help students realize their fullest academic (and otherwise!) potential.

"Front of the Class" is a based on the book "Front of the Class: How Tourette Syndrome Made Me the Teacher I Never Had" by Bard Cohen with Lisa Wysocky. The movie presents the true story of Brad Cohen, who had to overcome the frustrating effects of Tourette's Syndrome and bias judgments of others to become a teacher. Tourette's is characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics. It was much harder for him then because no one knew what his condition war; they thought that he was making weird noises all day because he wanted to. His teachers' ignorance created an oppressive environment in which he was constantly punished for not behaving or conforming to the standard behaviour. Distanced from his father, Brad had only his mother and younger brother to depend on. The former never gave up in searching for the scientific reasons behind Brad's behaviour and the latter would stand up physically for him to fight other kids who bullied Brad.

Brad's school life took a different turn when his high-school principal brought him out in front of the whole school and gave him a chance to present his struggles with TS and his desire to be treated with respect and acceptance. This incident changed Brad's life and gave him the vision and determination to become the teacher he never had.

I know that when I eventually go into the classroom, I will encounter students who may have various medical issues. Whether it is ADHD, OCD, TS, anorexia, bulimia, students will come in various forms and sizes and bring along with them a plethora of issues that they are struggling with. Their conditions may make it difficult to focus on their studies, or put them at a disadvantage. How will I manage my own expectations and prejudices and focus on their strengths? How can I provide a safe learning environment where they will be accepted by their peers and teachers? I believe, just like Brad Cohen,  as a teacher, I can be an advocate for my students, to show empathy to those with special needs and appeal to other students and teachers to do the same. Before making any judgments about one student, I need to fully understand their backgrounds and the root of their issues. Brad Cohen had the determination to pull through despite some of the very harsh, unkind comments that his teachers gave and being humiliated in class by his teachers. I pray that I will not be the stumbling block to my students but instead, will help them grow and shine!