PATRICIA HEATON, TREAT WILLIAMS AND JIMMY WOLK STAR IN "FRONT OF THE CLASS," A NEW "HALLMARK HALL OF FAME" PRESENTATION THAT HAS BEGUN PRODUCTION FOR BROADCAST ON THE CBS TELEVISION NETWORK

FRONT OF THE CLASS, a new "Hallmark Hall of Fame" presentation starring Patricia Heaton ("Everybody Loves Raymond"), Treat Williams ("Everwood") and Jimmy Wolk ("The Spiral Project"), has started production in Shreveport, La. for broadcast on the CBS Television Network. The drama is based on the true story of Brad Cohen (Wolk), who, after being challenged by Tourette's syndrome from a very young age, defies all odds to become a gifted teacher.

As a child, Brad Cohen was teased and ridiculed because of the disruptive sounds and sudden jerking movements he could not control. Teachers and other adults, including his own father, thought he was just trying to get attention, unaware that he suffered from a disability that he was helpless to change. It was not until his condition was correctly diagnosed that a school principal finally understood what was really going on and used a school assembly to educate the faculty and students. Following that event, Brad began to win their understanding and acceptance.

The experience led Brad to decide to become the teacher he never had, so that he could help others become more tolerant of those who are different from themselves. But, he still had some obstacles to overcome before his goal could be attained.

Patricia Heaton plays Brad's mother, Ellen. Treat Williams plays Brad's father, Norman.

FRONT OF THE CLASS is being produced by Hallmark Hall of Fame Productions. Brent Shields ("Sweet Nothing in My Ear," "Pictures of Hollis Woods") and Tim Shriver ("The Ringer," "Still We Believe: The Boston Red Sox Movie") are the executive producers; Andrew Gottlieb ("The Russell Girl," "Crossroads: A Story of Forgiveness") is the producer. Peter Werner ("Aunt Mary," "Ghost Whisperer") directed from a script by Tom Rickman ("Tuesdays with Morrie," "The Reagans") based on the book of the same title by Brad Cohen with Lisa Wysocky.