A Smile as Big as the Moon

Book excerpt: The inspiring true story of how one special education teacher got his class to Space Camp—now a Hallmark Hall of Fame television event. “A heartening story, sure to inspire other teachers struggling with students who often seem beyond their reach.” —Teacher magazine Mike Kersjes always believed that his students could do anything—even attend the prestigious Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama, where some of America’s best and brightest high school students compete in a variety of activities similar to those experienced by NASA astronauts training for shuttle missions. The challenge was convincing everyone else that the kids in his special education class, with disabilities including Tourette’s syndrome, Down’s Syndrome, dyslexia, eating disorders, and a variety of emotional problems, would benefit from the experience and succeed. With remarkable persistence, Kersjes broke down one barrier after another, from his own principal’s office to the inner sanctum of NASA, until Space Camp finally opened its doors. After nine months of rigorous preparation, Kersjes’s class arrived at Space Camp, where they turned in a performance beyond everyone’s expectations. “A testament to how perseverance can get results and how children can perform surprising feats in a system that doesn’t always work to help children.” —Pittsburgh Post-Gazette “Kersjes’s refreshing, heart-warming account proves that faith and vision can yield great things.” —Publishers Weekly