Studio Teacher Hiring Checklist
How to Hire the Right On-Set Teacher for Minors
Hiring the right studio teacher is one of the most important decisions a production can make when working with minors. A qualified studio teacher helps productions remain compliant with child labor laws, supports the educational needs of young performers, and serves as an advocate for their safety and well-being on set.
Whether you're a line producer, UPM, production coordinator, or producer, this checklist can help you evaluate credentials, verify experience, and identify the qualifications that matter most when hiring a studio teacher.
Step 1: Confirm State Requirements for Minors
Filming Location: __________________
☐ Identify applicable state law for minors (schooling + work hours)
☐ Confirm whether schooling is required during shoot dates
☐ If union: confirm compliance with SAG-AFTRA minor provisions
Step 2: Identify Qualified Studio Teacher Candidates
☐ California Studio Teacher Certificate (if available)
☐ Valid state teaching credential (any U.S. state minimum)
☐ Proven on-set experience
✔ Preferred hire = California-certified Studio Teacher working locally
Step 3: Verify Studio Teacher Credentials
Collect copies of:
☐ Teaching certificate (state: ____________)
☐ Expiration date verified (current)
☐ Resume or IMDb with film and television experience
If California-based production or working with California minor:
☐ Studio Teacher Certificate (CA DLSE)
☐ Teaching credential (CA)
Step 4: Evaluate On-Set Teaching Experience
Ask:
☐ Number of productions worked: ______
☐ Age ranges taught: __________________
☐ Experience teaching multiple grades simultaneously
✔ Must demonstrate ability to:
Teach in short windows between setups
Adapt lessons quickly
Work in non-traditional environments
Step 5: Assess Child Labor Law and Compliance Knowledge
Ask directly:
☐ “How do you track required school hours?”
☐ “What are the minor work-hour limits in this state?”
☐ “How do you coordinate with the child's regular school?”
✔ Candidate should show clear understanding of:
School hour minimums
Break/rest requirements
Permit compliance (if applicable)
Step 6: Evaluate Safety Awareness and Professional Judgment
Ask:
☐ “When would you stop a child from working?”
☐ “How do you handle fatigue or unsafe conditions?”
✔ Look for:
Confidence advocating for the child
Willingness to push back when needed
Clear, real-world examples
Step 7: Establish Expectations Before Production
Confirm the teacher will:
☐ Be present whenever minors are working
☐ Supervise minors during downtime (not just teach)
☐ Track and document schooling hours daily
☐ Communicate with production and guardians
Studio Teacher Hiring Red Flags 🚩
☐ No verifiable teaching credential
☐ Claims “studio teacher” without proof
☐ No on-set experience
☐ Unclear on labor laws or school requirements
☐ Hesitates on safety/advocacy questions