From show business to special education

Harvey Laidman and Melissa Webster left successful careers in the entertainment industry to become teachers.

Now enrolled in graduate school at California Lutheran University, the director and writer are honing a new passion as they study to teach others.

"I always knew I would eventually go into education," said Webster, 27, of Channel Islands, who most recently worked as a writing coordinator for the "SpongeBob SquarePants" cartoon series. She also worked in the video game industry on some of the biggest titles, including "Spider-Man 2."

A new career

In June, she started earning her special education credential, specializing in deaf and hearing impaired, and a master's degree in deaf education at CLU.

"It's extremely challenging but very rewarding," said Webster, whose mother is a special education teacher at Junipero Serra School in Ventura. Growing up, Webster helped her mom in the classroom and did volunteer work with special needs children, especially those with Down syndrome and autism.

"Being in this program is the best experience," she said, "and I know without a doubt that this is what I am meant to do in life, which is a wonderful feeling."

Maura Martindale, director of the deaf and hard of hearing program at CLU, said communication with people is essential in the entertainment industry, "and Melissa clearly excels in connecting with everyone."

Webster's ability to genuinely listen, empathize and communicate well is readily transferable to teaching, Martindale added.

"Her work on a children's program, her understanding of their interests, likes and dislikes, make her a perfect candidate for a teaching position," Martindale said. "When the other CLU students learn that she left the entertainment industry to teach, they admire her willingness to follow her heart."

Science of retirement

Once Laidman passed age 60, he found that many of the producers who knew his work were gone.

"I decided that I had been blessed with a terrific 30-year career, and I took my retirement," said Laidman, 65, of Woodland Hills, whose credits include "7th Heaven," "Magnum P.I.," "The Waltons" and "The Six Million Dollar Man."

At first, he thought he'd teach film. However, "I found out that film teachers are all over the place, and I'd like to go somewhere I'm needed."

After considerable thought, he zeroed in on science — a subject he has always loved.

"I try to travel on a scientific expedition every year," he said. "Teaching would be a chance to be involved with science every day."

With that, Laidman took the necessary state competence exams and was accepted into the L.A. Teaching Fellows. "But I realized that I needed to learn as much as I could about teaching before jumping into the classroom. As a director, I understand the need for complete preparation."

So he enrolled last spring in the graduate teacher prep program at CLU.

"The greatest revelation was observing a science classroom for children with special needs; I really empathized with those kids. After all those years of working with difficult actors, bullies and ego monsters, reaching these kids would be a reward and a pleasure."

Kristine Calara, director of development for CLU's school of education, was impressed by Laidman's desire to serve special-needs students and his interest in becoming a science teacher.

She emphasized that he will be meeting a great need, since projections indicate a substantial teacher shortage due to a declining number of credentials issued, increase of student enrollment in middle and high schools and the impending retirement of baby boomers.

"I also appreciate that Harvey recognizes the need to be properly trained and prepared to become a teacher," Calara said, "because there is a study that shows that 54 percent of first- and second-year special education teachers are underprepared."

Laidman, who starts student teaching in the fall, said he's excited about being in the classroom, and "a bit frightened."

"Wow! It's like being a kid again about to start my first job."