Training and Education: It's important too

I remember some years ago; I embarked upon the journey of becoming an instructor. I had the idea to take a class through an organization that shall remain unnamed, and I wanted to make some extra money. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I just knew that I was a prepared person due my years in the hospitality and customer service space, but I realized, not so quickly, that I had some work to do.

In my 1st year, I received great support from the local community to attend classes. They were signing up left and right. Even till this day, I have earned 5-star google reviews. Which was/is great! Right? Well, I have learned that being a qualified instructor requires much more than filling seats in a class.

Here are some points that I believe matters in being a qualified instructor:

• Never stop being a student.
• I remember my 1st time being exposed to a company / business as a student of the art. My mind was blown because there were small things done during my time with them that caught my attention. The time management of the course was phenomenal. Each day was well thought out, and we finished on time! You know we love to finish on time!
• I was able to learn more about my deficiencies vs. what I thought I did well.
• I enjoy being able to learn from those around me, so I can continue to build my skillset to be a reliable resource for my own students.
• Adopt and learn skills beyond the firearm.
• Studies show that someone will be use medical skills before using their firearm. CPR, Stop the Bleed (Tourniquet Application), De-escalation tactics, etc. matter just as much as your efforts to teach / use a firearm.
• The Good Samaritan Law should be something that everyone knows. What is it? I'm glad you asked. It is a law that protects people from legal repercussions when they believe another person is injured and decide to help them out. Check out this link that provides more context.
• Learn from and listen to your student base.
• Your students should provide a wealth of information that should help shape your practices, policies, and protocols for your business. I have seen so many questionable practices from other instructors that puts me at pause. Why? Because people who sign up for course tend to come for very specific reasons. They come because of the current climate, something may have happened to a loved one or close friends, or they are afraid, but they want to overcome of the fear of handling a firearm. There are other reasons as well, but those are at the top of my list. I have heard of many people speak of 'horror' stories from previous trainings that made them feel uncomfortable.
• Be upfront about your experience level.
• If you are an intermediate shooter, then train beneath that level. I remember hearing from a fellow instructor, Trevon Barber, speaks about training those from the level that you have mastered.

So, why do I believe in being an instructor? Because for me, and I'm speaking about me. My students push me to be the best teacher that I can be, and that they need me to be. Visit my Google profile (search for Run Your Gun Tactical) and check out the reviews.

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