Newly Certified NRA Instructor

[wsswesty]

I recently took an instructors course in WV and am now a Certified Pistol Instructor. Very excited to get started.. I've scheduled 6 classes over the next 6 months.

 

[cowboybuckle]

that's bold for a new instructor.......

 

[Blackthorn]

Welcome aboard.... Take the time to teach your students correctly and have fun doing it..... Good luck....

 

[John Theriot]

WTG and good luck, Ive decided to help by sitting in some and watching and helping on range.
NRA pistol and rifle instructor
RSO

 

[JimPage]

I think it's important to have help from another certified instructor, preferably someone who has been teaching for awhile. When I started, I learned a lot from others--- some by observing and correcting things they did wrong and some from observing different techniques of instructing as well as learning a few things I didn't know. You never stop learning in this business. I also had the advantage of about 50 years experience with firearms before I got certified, but that obviously is not a necessity nor is it an indication of super knowledge. I know many with just as much experience who are terrible gun handlers. It's a constant battle keeping folks aware of what they are doing.

 

[Pir8fan]

I agree with some of the others. Since I don't instruct full time. I only work as an assistant. Get some practice with an experienced instructor. The stuff you learn from them will be invaluable.

 

[nogods]

congrats and good luck on your new endeavor.

 

[Brandon Taylor Kitts]

Congratulations. I recommend getting with another instructor if possible. I'm fortunate enough to teach with two of my best friends.

 

[NPPWI]

My $.02 on the matter:

1) Know your materials. Everyone can read from a PowerPoint. But have some stories. Have a conversation with your class.
2) Know when you don't know. And don't be afraid to admit it. "I don't know, but I will get you the correct answer" is better than "here's a bunch of information that isn't true"

But most importantly - if you're having fun, your students are too.

Good luck!

 

[jlucht01]

A fun class is a referred class. When I am teaching I want to see eyes and smiles. If you stick to the lesson plan like it was written by Jesus, You will put on a great class. As another instructor to sit in on one of their classes, bring your lesson plan with you and follow along. It will give you a great advantage when teaching your classes.

 

[Straight Shooter]

There is nothing like jumping in with both feet!!!! After all, you don't really know the course material until you teach it!!! Using a training team approach is highly recommended!! Good luck with it!!!! And let us know, how it goes!!!!

 

[N R A]

So, it has been 6 months, How many students have you run through your NRA classes? I am sure you have learned they are not lined up at your door. People want the CC classes, because they are mandatory to obtain their CC permit. However, a NRA class, that does not get you a state CC permit, is not a very popular class. It can start slow, building up a following.

 

[WyattEarp]

Experience is a great teacher and there is only one way to gain that - just do it. The other hints before me are all solid IMHO but do not take them are roadblocks but as part of the path to success which many have used.

Go get 'em! We need more POSITIVE exposure.

 

[2Aactual]

Congratulations. I am anxiously waiting to begin certification to become NRA certified in Basic Firearm Safety, Rifle, Handgun and Shotgun, Defense inside and outside the home. I'd like to become certified with them all but I plan just starting out instructing small to medium sized classes with mostly new gun owners and "new to guns" people. Teachers are some of those I'd like to get to sooner than later, especially teachers who work in schools which allow faculty to carry for defense and protection of their students. If any seasoned instructors have any sound advise I am happy to listen. I am a Marine Veteran with over 8 years of Military firearm instruction and another 15+ years of firearm experience but my knowledge is not as extensive as I'd like it to be.

2Aactual in Oregon

 

[JimPage]

Congratulations. I am anxiously waiting to begin certification to become NRA certified in Basic Firearm Safety, Rifle, Handgun and Shotgun, Defense inside and outside the home. I'd like to become certified with them all but I plan just starting out instructing small to medium sized classes with mostly new gun owners and "new to guns" people. Teachers are some of those I'd like to get to sooner than later, especially teachers who work in schools which allow faculty to carry for defense and protection of their students. If any seasoned instructors have any sound advise I am happy to listen. I am a Marine Veteran with over 8 years of Military firearm instruction and another 15+ years of firearm experience but my knowledge is not as extensive as I'd like it to be.

2Aactual in Oregon

you have good attitude and sufficient training behind you. I am retired military and would advise you that you will not have the same power - control over the students. You must first learn to address totally ignorant students who do not respond to the type of control of students you are accustomed to. It is difficult to accept, but I thiink you can learn quickley and have good results.