Instructor Enrichment Program
Become a Better Instructor – Not Just a Better Shooter
View Upcoming IEP CoursesSince 2017, the Apache Training Facility has provided over 1,000 hours of private instruction annually. In these sessions, we have made a detailed study of effective teaching techniques and individual trainer growth as a result. These sessions have been an invaluable laboratory for perfecting our teaching methodology, and we want to share it with you! That's why we created the Instructor Enrichment Program (IEP).
IEP Isn't Like Other Instructor-Level Courses
This isn't a "how to shoot a better drill" class—it is a how-to TEACH better course, and every element is designed around the question, "Did I become a better instructor because of this?"
What sets the Apache Instructor Enrichment Program apart is that it is designed for both emerging and existing trainers who want to be better instructors.
In this 3-day course, we stay focused on growing your abilities as an INSTRUCTOR. Every participant will spend time teaching and receiving feedback about their teaching performance and leave with individual feedback about what to keep doing, what areas to improve, and most importantly, HOW to bring it all together. You will leave better equipped to build strong foundational skills in your trainees and with more tools for solving challenges that inevitably arise when teaching.
While you may leave with improved shooting skills yourself, you won't just learn how to shoot drills and master courses of fire. IEP dives deep into the essential skills of great pistol shooters and breaks down why certain techniques work and how to teach them effectively. Whether you are preparing trainees for concealed carry/defensive shooting or competition shooting, the Instructor Enrichment Program will challenge you to be a better instructor, and your trainees will thank you for it.
Evaluation & Recognition
Over the course of 3 days, participants are evaluated on both shooting and teaching abilities. That said, we keep the focus where it belongs—on enriching teaching skills!
Our one-of-a-kind, weighted evaluation system places a heavier emphasis on teaching abilities, allowing participants with exceptional performance in the teaching portions the opportunity to earn a patch. Yes, shooting ability is evaluated, but the real glory goes to the all-star instructor(s).
The Power of Peer Evaluation
Peer stress caused by peer evaluation makes for a strong cadre of instructors. It is something like scientific scrutiny when testing a hypothesis; there is no governing body for how to teach firearms trainers. Therefore, we should analyze and support ourselves.
Course Modules
IEP is offered in two interconnected modules, which can be selected by cohort vote (majority wins)
IEP One: Technical Pistol Skills
Focuses on teaching marksmanship, recoil management, pistol presentation, and the elements of the concealed draw.
IEP Two: Pistol Manipulations
Focuses on teaching marksmanship, simple and complex stoppages, and reloads.
Purpose & Goal
To enrich the practicing trainer's ability to teach essential pistol shooting skills. This 3-day course focuses heavily on the most vital elements of technical shooting and manipulations for self-defense. Trainers will learn effective teaching methods with a rigid focus on marksmanship, recoil management, pistol presentation, concealed draw, simple/complex stoppages, and reloads.
Pre-Requisites
A good, demonstrable understanding of safe gun handling and range etiquette.
Participants must have the following existing skills: Draw from concealment, reloads, malfunction clearing.
Some prior experience in running a line of shooters is preferable.
Recommended: Completion of a Combative/Defensive Handgun course.
Equipment Checklist
- A reliable semi-auto handgun
- Minimum 600 rounds of ammunition
- Minimum of 3 magazines
- 2-3 Magazine pouches
- 10 inert/dummy rounds for your handgun
- A quality holster (NO Serpas or nylon holsters; Duty gear allowed for LE/Military only; All others must be concealed)
- Eye and Ear protection (Electronic Ear Protection is Highly Recommended)
- Note-taking supplies
- Black Sharpie
- WATER – Lots of WATER!
- Lunch/snacks are welcome. Be mindful of Lead Toxicity.
- Brimmed hat (recommended)
- NO low-cut shirts or open-toed shoes
If you have gear questions, please email us at info@apachenc.com
Course Requirements
Google Classroom Access
Once you register for a preferred cohort, you will be given access to our Google Classroom. This is where you will be able to submit pre-course assignments such as your video submission. It will also serve as a communication hub between trainers and us.
Important Video Requirement
After completing your video submission, you will be assigned a topic to teach in this course. If you DO NOT submit a video, you WILL NOT receive a topic to teach. If you do not teach, you do not receive a Certificate of Completion.
Video Submission Requirements
Tips for Making Your Video
While the quality of your video is NOT evaluated, here are some simple tips:
- Avoid bright light behind you.
- Make sure you speak clearly and can be heard.
- Avoid having a dishwasher or television on while filming.
- YOU MUST HAVE GOOD INTERNET CONNECTION FOR THE DOWNLOAD TO WORK. Email if you have any trouble with the upload.
Trainer Introduction
This is an opportunity to introduce yourself, including your background, training experience, and other relevant information about yourself.
Safety Brief Requirements
Your safety brief should include:
- Facility Orientation
- Firearms Safety, handling, equipment
- Common Commands and Carry conditions/positions
- Medical considerations
- Emergency protocol
- General Range Awareness
Reminder
Watch your video before submitting to be sure you can be heard and seen. Again, the quality of your video is not evaluated—but we do need to see you and hear what you say.
If you DO NOT submit the pre-course video, you DO NOT receive a topic to teach. If you do not teach, you do not receive a Certificate of Completion.
Ready to Become a Better Instructor?
Join the Instructor Enrichment Program and transform your teaching abilities. Your trainees will thank you for it.
View Upcoming IEP Courses