Contract Services administers the IATSE Local #884 Teachers Availability List (TAL) and the Dual Credential Substitute List (DCSL) under the terms of a Letter of Understanding between the Producers, the IATSE and Studio Teachers & Welfare Workers Local #884. The TAL includes the names of individuals qualified to serve as Studio Teachers in the motion picture and television industry and who have demonstrated work experience as Studio Teachers. The DCSL includes the names of individuals who have the dual teaching credentials required to serve as a Studio Teacher but who have not demonstrated work experience in the motion picture and television industry.

Read below for more information about how to apply to the TAL or DCSL. Applicants to the TAL must have appropriate State of California teaching credentials, a State of California Studio Teacher’s Certificate, 30 days of work on a signatory production under the Local #884 collective bargaining agreement, and Local #884 workshop training to be added on the Teachers Availability List.

Applicants to the DCSL must have appropriate State of California teaching credentials and a State of California Studio Teacher’s Certificate.

Industry Professionals appearing on the TAL may receive preference of employment, as Producers signatory to the IATSE Local #884 Agreement utilize the TAL as an employment resource via the Teacher Referral Service administered by Entertainment Partners.

We review monthly California Teaching Credential checks of each individual on the TAL and DCSL.

The requirements for TAL and DCSL placement are outlined in the Portal when you start an application.

How to search the Teachers Availability List or Dual Credential Substitute List?

To search for Industry Professionals on the TAL or DCSL visit the Industry Hub.

How do I apply for placement on the Teachers Availability List or Dual Credential Substitute List?

You can apply for placement on the TAL or DCSL through the Contract Services Portal. If you already have a Portal account, log into it to start a new application. If you don’t have a Portal account, visit the Industry Hub to create one so that you can start an application. (If you don’t have a computer or need help creating an account, please contact us for assistance.)

Generally speaking, most people apply for the DCSL first and then apply for the TAL after gaining work experience.

There are typically two steps to completing a DCSL application:

1. Apply
   

   Once you apply as a Dual Credential Substitute Teacher through your Portal, you will receive an email with a link to complete and submit a Dual Credential Substitute Teacher application.

   Applicants to the Dual Credential Substitute List are not required to demonstrate work experience but will be asked to provide copies of your teaching credentials and Studio Teacher’s Certificate. These can be uploaded to your Portal.

   You will be emailed a link to three Consumer Report Consent Forms to complete online.

2. Complete Preliminary Training Courses
   Once you submit copies of your credentials and Studio Teacher’s Certificate, you will be able to complete the preliminary training courses that are required to complete your overall application. For Dual Credential Substitute Teachers, the three preliminary courses are:
   • A — General Safety/IIPP
   • Harassment Prevention Training
   • RCAN — Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect

   Important: These preliminary courses are part of the application process. You must complete them in order to finalize your application and be placed on the DCSL. After you are placed, you may be asked to complete additional training required for Dual Credential Substitute Teachers. (To view all courses required for your classification, see our Required Course List.)

   You will be assigned a new deadline to complete the additional training (generally 90 days for online courses). Also, keep in mind that you will be required to refresh these courses from time to time, so remember to check your Portal or the CS Access mobile app to stay up to date with your requirements and deadlines.

   If you do not have access to a computer, or if you need help using one, our on-site computer lab is available during business hours at 2710 Winona Avenue, Burbank, CA 91504. Reservations are encouraged and can be made by calling 818.565.0550 ext. 1200.

There are typically three steps to completing a TAL application:

• Apply
  Once you apply for the TAL through your Portal, you will receive an email with a link to complete and submit a TAL application form.
• Demonstrate Eligibility Through Work Experience
  

  Work experience is required in order to qualify for placement on the TAL. Specific work experience requirements are explained in the Portal once you start an application.

  Generally, you may demonstrate your work experience by submitting an Employment Verification Letter (EVL) from your employer or payroll company. To assist you in requesting that a payroll company send an EVL to Contract Services on your behalf, please contact your payroll company (Payroll Company Contact Sheet button to the right).

  Once the payroll company submits your EVL to Contract Services on your behalf, it will show in your Portal as received.

  You may also submit an EVL from your employer or payroll yourself by uploading the document to your Portal account.

  You will be emailed a link to three Consumer Report Consent Forms to complete online. (Note, you will still be required to complete these forms again if you completed them as part of your DCSL application.)

• Complete Preliminary Training Courses
  Once you submit proof of at least one qualifying day of work experience, you will be able to complete the preliminary training courses that are required to complete your overall application. For the TAL, the three preliminary courses are:
  • A — General Safety/IIPP
  • Harassment Prevention Training
  • RCAN — Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect

  Important: These preliminary courses are part of the application process. You must complete the preliminary courses in order to finalize your application and be placed on the TAL. (Note, If you were on the DCSL, you most likely already completed these courses above.)

  After you are placed on the TAL, you may be asked to complete additional training required of a Studio Teacher. (To view all courses required for this classification, see our Required Course List.)

  If you do not have access to a computer, or if you need help using one, our on-site computer lab is available during business hours at 2710 Winona Avenue, Burbank, CA 91504. Reservations are encouraged and can be made by calling 818.565.0550 ext. 1200.

After completing the application process described above, you may be asked to complete additional training required for your classification. If you have additional training requirements, you will be assigned a new deadline to complete them (generally 90 days for online courses). Also, keep in mind that you will be required to refresh these courses from time to time, so remember to check your Portal or the CS Access mobile app to stay up to date with your requirements and deadlines.

(Note that applying for placement on the DCSL or TAL is a separate process from applying for union membership. Questions about union membership should be directed to the applicable union.)

How can I prove my roster and/or training compliance?

If you need to demonstrate proof of your roster or training compliance (e.g., to an employer), you have several options. Log into your Portal or the CS Access mobile app to download or email a copy of your Compliance Report. (To learn more about the Compliance Report or your Official Course Transcript, click here.)

Or, you may refer your employer to the Industry Hub to search publicly available roster and training records.