A Smile as Big as the Moon — Tonight on ABC

Posted on January 29, 2012 at 12:48 pm

Watch ABC tonight for the heartwarming “A Smile as Big as the Moon,” with John Corbett as a teacher who brings his special needs students to space camp.  It is based on the real life story of Mike Kersjes, whose book about his experience is A Smile as Big as the Moon: A Special Education Teacher, His Class, and Their Inspiring Journey Through U.S. Space Camp.  He proved that for students facing Tourette’s syndrome, Down’s syndrome, dyslexia, eating disorders, and a variety of emotional problems, the rigors of astronaut training were just another challenge.  Kersjes teaches special needs students in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  He focuses on helping his students recognize their strengths.  An article in Scholastic Scope magazine about the Space Camp for gifted and talented students inspired him to begin what has evolved into a non-profit called Space is Special.

Kersjes says, “I believe in teaching kids to challenge themselves, to question the labels that had been thrust upon them.”

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5 Replies to “A Smile as Big as the Moon — Tonight on ABC”

  1. I was so touched by this story of the strong will and determination shown by these kids and their teacher. I am fighting my son’s local high school to get him back in there full time. 9 weeks ago they pulled him out 3 days a week to go to a special needs school. They haven’t given us much excuse except his needs vocational and social things they cannot offer there. I told them he needs his general ed peers. We teach him his life skills, we are very involved. He was doing well, his loves learning and wants to be back at “His” school with his friends. We are in mediation today again actually. 1:00pm today. I’m afraid nothing will happen again. I am interested in this Space camp also. Please pray for us today. He wants his home school, he says he is smart. He has the determination to learn and keep learning, and he will!

    1. Thank you, Lynn. You and your son are in my prayers. I’m so glad you saw this inspiring film.

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