Mike doesn’t talk down to his "special" students. Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free. It's the opening scene to "A Smile as Big as the Moon" a made-for-TV movie based on the book of the same name by Kersjes, which debuts on national TV at 9 p.m. Jan. 29 on ABC. Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2014. He lives in upstate New York. Discover some of our favorites from the wide range of films the Academy chose to honor with a recap of the big winners at the 2021 Oscars. Knowing it is a true story, makes it even better. Missie's surprise pregnancy sets her on a new course that is both thrilling and terrifying. A Smile as Big as the Moon: A Special Education Teacher, His Class, and Their Inspiring Journey…. Tonight ABC aired the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie 'A Smile As Big As The Moon.'. I have worked with special ed kids during my professional career. The special education teacher, Mike Kersjes, and the students did all of the work---but Big Dan made it all possible by providing the financial support that they needed. Mike Kersjes has done that in his book.” ―Captain Gene Cernan, Apollo XVII, “Kersjes's refreshing, heart-warming account proves that faith and vision can yield great things.” ―Publishers Weekly, “An inspiring David-and-Goliath tale.” ―The Christian Science Monitor. I've only read the first few chapters but the writing style is gripping, Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 19, 2013. Let's look past what we see and give everyone a fair shot at achieving success(at any level). The film rights for his book have been sold to Jerry Bruckheimer for Walt Disney Pictures. 1 of 1 people found this review helpful. I hope the movie is less clouded and really focuses on the true spirit of this story. Brief content visible, double tap to read full content. A contractor helps a woman renovate a house so she can adopt a sick neighbor's two children. To get the free app, enter your mobile phone number. Written by Camp director Dr. Deborah Barnhart (Cynthia Watros) is initially reluctant.The story is simple. Best Horror Movies. Robynn McKinney (Jessy Schram) is his eager new co-teacher. Mike Kersjes is president of Space Is Special Inc., a not for profit organization that helps special education students enhance their science and mathematics skills using space as a motivational theme. What Is Life? Kersjes comes up with an idea to shoot for space camp. A Smile as big as the moon This book was very inspiring.. As someone who is aspiring to become a special education teacher I enjoyed the realism and all of the true and raw emotions that were displayed. He struggles to make the program work and connect with his kids. Just couldn't put it down - well written and so inspirational, both from the teachers point of view and the students in what they achieved. St. Martin's Griffin; First edition (February 6, 2003). Kersjes believed that, given a chance, his kids could do as well as anybody, and with remarkable persistence broke down one barrier after another, from his own principal's office to the inner sanctum of NASA, until Space Camp opened its doors, on an experimental basis, to special ed students. Movie & TV guides. He finally accepts his parents' advice of teaching in high school (temp). You're listening to a sample of the Audible audio edition. Besides being a football coach at his Michigan High School, Mike Kersjes taught special education classes, dealing with children whose disabilities included Tourette syndrome, Downs Syndrome, dyslexia, eating disorders and a variety of emotional problems. Her gift shop but accepts quite a many they put the work in, it will pay.. 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