Mike,

Do you train on a HOT range?
Do you have instructor's insurance?
What "proof of good character" do you require of your students?

It's nice to be able to be pointed to a review(posted on the WWW for all to see) or 12 of your past classes so prospective students can get an rough idea of what they are on for.That seems to be the "norm" and it is a big part of how I pick my classes.

"Train the trainer"...that's Instructor Development.
In my opinion and in my experiences,no matter how good you are at something Instructor development is a PATH that requires it's own method and level of instruction.In most skills I've trained in,First Aid for example,a person can be an expert medic but a lousy teacher.That same person can be trained,or educated in techniques to make him a good teacher(if that's what the individual wants).
It's the same in the manual trades,a Journeyman(who by most standards have 'mastered' thier skills,embarks on a path(of becoming a student again) to become a MASTER.
Just dropping a clue,,,being a good shooter doesn't make a good teacher,it just proves you are a good shooting student.Taking that knowledge(that you know how to learn and apply)to the next level and learning how to teach shows us 'prospects' that you are on the PATH.
As a paying student I am not willing to pay for an instructors OJT.

When I spoke with Massad about going through the Stressfire instructor course he told me it is just a matter of making sure you have a firm grasp of the skills taught in the class.

Your story here reminds me of a basic tool I learned in one of my first 'training'experiences,as a Boy Scout leader.I don't know Massad,but I heard of him,,,If anyone on that LEVEL told me I DIDN'T need 'something' I'd haul ass out and go for it.

I'll take my student hat off now and place on the Moderator beanie.This is the HOMETOWN.A good portion of our discussion here is training related.I personally think your initial posting was in bad taste,for lack of a better term,or perhaps a lapse of judgement.But hey a few post later and we get the bio...and the whole story.It's sounds like you really want to teach,and I think a complete informational post with out the mystery and ensueing drama would have been a much better 'marketing' tool.
I think the ONE difference between the Hometown and much of the WWW is that while some of us  discuss training online,must of us jawjackers(here) also have a small 'passion' for actually getting out regularly to train.
We are going to take a hard look at you and I wish you all the best.


Taking off the moderator beanie and just being a hatless meanbastard,,
I am currently hashing over the administrative dilemna in the mod forum,,,Your post opens up a can of worms,where we(ARFCOM) has an industry forum and industry partners that pay to promote thier schools.In the past Arfcommers have posted links to classes held at various ranges and clubs,but this is the first time I remember an instructor posting.I don't think it's fair to those that pay for the priviledge.I put it to the attention of staff and will wait and see what is what.

We are going to take a hard look at you and I wish you all the best.

bulletcatchR