A teacher of child actors fulfills an important educational role for special children. They provide a regular educational experience while also preparing their clients for careers outside of the entertainment industry. The job market for these unique academic professionals is extremely exclusive and competitive, so following the advice below will help teachers break into the field of studio teaching.
Earn a Bachelor’s in Education
The first step in becoming a child-acting instructor is to earn a standard pedagogical degree, such as a Bachelor of Science in Education/Elementary (BSEd-E). This undergraduate degree is the normal choice for teachers who need to obtain teaching licensure. These programs include basic classes that introduce students to educational issues, trends and philosophies. Courses on child development explore how children grow from birth through high school. Students learn about the social, emotional, physical, cognitive and moral development of children. There are also classes on effective teaching strategies and lesson plan designing. Finally, students learn how to teach the basic topics of math, science, health, social studies and the language arts.
Earn a Master’s Degree in Education
Instructors of child actors who have entertainment industry connections may be able to start work after graduation, but most people will need to continue their education to improve their competitiveness. A Master of Arts or Science in Education will help students acquire the knowledge and practical teaching skills needed to have a positive impact on student achievements within unique learning environments. These programs train students how to apply action, perform research and use assessment strategies to evaluate and improve their teaching practices. Even better, they will learn how meet individual needs while enhancing student performances. These programs also teach students how to design K-12 curricula to meet state and national standards.
Resource: Top 10 Best Online Master’s in Education Degree Programs (M.Ed.)
Industry Tips
Because there are practically no college courses on child actor instruction, try to attend appropriate learning seminars or educational conferences. There are books written by veteran teachers about teaching young actors. Check online and contact established teachers who maintain websites or offer resources. Ask for advice how they like their career, what challenges they face and how to break into the industry. Child actor instructors will most likely need to move to an area with a strong entertainment industry, such as Los Angeles or New York. Request appointments with current child actor instructors to observe how child-acting teachers teach subjects, organize schedules and manage children on the set.
Certification
Because of the majority of child actor teachers work in the Los Angeles area, be aware that the state of California requires that teachers who work in the entertainment industry maintain a special Studio Teacher Certification. This certification is issued by California’s Division of Labor Standards Enforcement. These credentialed teachers function as both educators and child welfare workers for their young clients. These teachers are required to hold dual teaching certifications. First, the Multiple Subject credential for teaching elementary subjects and also the Single Subject credential for teaching high school subjects. The Studio Teacher Credential entails a comprehensive knowledge of California child labor laws, which include the rules that govern working hours and limitations.
As a final note, be sure to fine tune your resume by highlighting your academic education and entertainment industry experience.
