John Corbett plays Mike Kersjes, a special education teacher who helps his students achieve their impossible dream: to attend Space Camp at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Their inspiring journey is based on a true story.
Space Camp is a competitive educational program. Although it was designed for gifted science students, MIke decides participating in the summer program would do wonders for the self-esteem of his young, special ed students - one especially who wants to be an astronaut. Kersjes is aided in his mission by another teacher, Robynn McKinney (Jessy Schram).
He faces incredible obstacles to make his impossible dream become a reality. But it was after they were finally given the green light that the real challenge began - how to get kids with Down syndrome, Tourette's, learning disabilities and emotional problems to coalesce into a team.
After nine months of rigorous training preparation, the class molded itself into a working team where they turned in a performance so surprising that it will leave you amazed.
The Making of "A Smile as Big as the Moon"
The behind-the-scenes story was just as inspiring as the movie itself. Many of the special ed students are played by young actors who are, themselves, 'special'. Down syndrome, ADD, autism, dyslexia, etc.- real kids with real special needs playing real kids with real special needs.