California state law requires that teachers who work on entertainment industry sets (film, theatre, TV, etc.) hold a special California Studio Teacher Certification. Briefly, a “studio teacher” functions as both a teacher and a child welfare worker for child performers on entertainment industry sets. A studio teacher must hold dual teaching certification in California: a California Multiple Subject credential (elementary school) and a Single Subject Credential (high school). In addition, the studio teacher must hold a Studio Teacher Credential issued by the California Department of Labor. This Credential denotes a thorough knowledge of California child labor laws, including the rules governing the number of hours child actors can be on set and how that time can be spent. (For information about studio teacher credentialing, please see How to Become a Studio Teacher.)
OLE in the Press
“A day in the life of a teacher on location is like being on the TV show M*A*S*H,” Alan Simon said. "Classrooms are set up in the most unlikely places. We recently had an unused subway station in Brooklyn. Very frequently we just use trailers as we did last week in Central Park.” - from The New York Times
On Location Education offers a range of opportunities for teachers seeking
employment, including:
Full day tutoring: Defined as nine (9) hours elapsed, from the start of the day on set, or "call time," to the end of the day on set, or the "wrap."
Hourly tutoring: When a production company is able to block the required three (3) hours of teaching time.
On tour: When a teacher travels with the national tour of a theatrical production as it makes its way around the country.
As a studio teacher: A California certified studio teacher holds both an elementary education degree AND a secondary subjects specialization, AND is empowered by the state of California to function as both a teacher and child welfare worker on set.
