When the Doors Opened Bonus Ep. 5...

When the Doors Opened Bonus Ep. 5

Beyond the Worksheet by Dr. Jess Laine
S1
Mar 7, 2026
06:44

Episode notes

In this bonus episode, Dr. Jess Laine shares the moment her studio teaching career truly began to take off. After years of piecing together freelance opportunities, 2016 became a turning point when she landed a role on Netflix’s The OA, marking her first major television production. From working alongside talented young actors to navigating the fast-paced world of TV sets and national tours, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the hustle and growth that come with building a career in studio teaching.

Dr. Jess also reflects on the relationships that shaped her journey, including meeting a future colleague and friend, and stepping into the world of California studio teaching for the first time. It’s a story about perseverance, unexpected opportunities, and the moment when scattered experiences finally begin to come together into a meaningful career.

Keywords

Education, Beyond the worksheet, discovery learning, Dr. Jess Laine, educator
studio teacher
alternative education, child actors, nontraditional classrooms, individualized instruction, learning on set, flexible teaching, student-centered learning, real-world education, behind the scenes, teaching stories, teaching career, education podcast,
Broadway tour