In this premiere episode, Dr. Jess Laine dives into the challenges facing today’s schools—from declining student engagement to the post-pandemic achievement gap. Drawing directly from her dissertation research, she explores why discovery learning has gained renewed attention, how it compares to traditional teaching, and what the latest data really say about student success. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or just curious about what works in education, you’ll get a clear, research-backed introduction to why moving “beyond the worksheet” matters now more than ever.

Hi, I’m Dr. Jess Phelps—though on my podcast, you’ll know me as Dr. Jess Laine! I’m a math educator, California Studio Teacher, and Ed.D. with a passion for making learning clear, approachable, and fun. From classrooms to film sets (think Stranger Things and Fuller House), I help students of all backgrounds build confidence and succeed. Join me as I share real stories and strategies to help every learner thrive!