 Kristen Cloke , Morgan 's wife , was cast as teacher Valerie Lewton . " I have incredible respect for them , " said Cloke . " Jim 's the kind of director who knows exactly what he wants . As an actor , I can find a way to get there if I know specifically what I 'm going for , and Jim gives me that . The fact that he won 't move on until he 's got exactly what he wants creates a safe environment , which allows me to experiment and try different things " . Cloke described her part as " strong and sassy – in control . After the crash she comes unglued , probably more than any of the kids , and it 's a quick , drastic change . I had to understand the psychology of a person who can turn on a dime like that " . 
