4 Pillars of Instructorship
In any given field or discipline, to be truly qualified to instruct others, one must first be a subject matter expert in that field. In order to be a subject matter expert specifically in the field of shooting and be competent at instructing, there are four pillars or qualities that must be possessed by the instructor.
I. Mastery of Skill
Shooting is a skill that is objective in nature and has two simple metrics: accuracy and time. Being that both of these metrics are easily measured and able to be quantified, emotion and/or bias have no role in determining whether any given performance is either desirable or subpar. In order to speak intelligently, thoroughly, and with authority about a skill such as shooting, an instructor must have traveled the path to high levels of proficiency themselves and found objective success utilizing their knowledge base.
The best demonstration and validation of an instructor’s knowledge and experience, and therefore their qualification as an instructor, is what they are capable of demonstrating. What level are they able to perform at, and not just at one point in time, but now? Unlike war stories from the past, expert level capabilities demonstrated on demand in the present are the ultimate, irrefutable resume.
II. Depth of Experience Based Knowledge
This depth of knowledge consists of:
A comprehensive, foundational understanding of the principles of shooting.
Awareness of and experience with numerous techniques and methods of how to accomplish these principles.
Awareness of and experience with nuances and variations of the techniques and methods that exist so as to better help a wide range of students who may require differing information to grasp the principles and concepts.
III. Ability to Convey Information and Concepts Clearly and Field Questions with Logical, Principle-Based Answers
The ability to transfer ideas and information in a manner that results in any varying student base being able to effectively digest and understand the message clearly is of paramount importance. In order to speak in ways that a student “can’t misunderstand”, an instructor must be able to discuss the given topic at a conversational level and not rely on merely rehearsing and regurgitating talking points.
Furthermore, the instructor needs to welcome questions, encourage them, and be prepared to answer any and all that are asked. A competent instructor will be able to modify and adapt to any given student and ensure they find a way that works for that student to learn and perform. They will be able to offer various solutions, each equally as valid as the last as they still adhere to the overarching principles set forth.
IV. Demonstration of Continuing Personal Skill Evolution and Routine Participation in Organized Competition
All of the above listed qualities come from spending substantial time and energy invested in the field, studying it, and actively applying the knowledge over time with both success and failure. Absent adequate personal development, both physically and mentally, one could never hope to possess the necessary level of understanding to become capable of showing others the path to excelling at the discipline.
Instructors must possess the mindset to lead by example and the work ethic to do so. It is inappropriate for an instructor to preach to others that which they are not willing to do themselves. Instructors must lead by example and strive for the highest standard themselves… the day they cease to be students is the day their relevancy as a teacher ceases.
Furthermore, without vetting your skill set and knowledge base against others and networking with other professionals, everything taught is mere theory. Organized competition to vet fundamental shooting skills and principles and force on force to vet applying it within a tactical context are both imperative to bettering yourself as an instructor through understanding what works in theory vs what works in practical application.