Why Become an NRA Certified Instructor?

There are several reasons I think, for becoming an NRA Certified Instructor:

1. Certification brings confidence. I have spoken to many non-NRA instructors who teach others to shoot -- family, friends, etc. They have had some success (or so they say) but there's always the realization (which they often voice) that maybe they're not doing something quite right or perhaps there's a better way of teaching a specific skill. 
2. Better understanding of shooting fundamentals. Reading about the shooting fundamentals -- aiming, hold control, breath control, trigger control and follow through -- is simple enough. Doing them consistently isn't. Consistent and patient mentoring is necessary to transfer these skills to students. In the process of breaking down the fundamentals and coming up with better or unique ways to communicate them, you become a better shooter. One never really learns a skill until they teach it.
3. Knowledge and humility. Each student will teach you something. Maybe not something about shooting but maybe something about how to effectively communicate with people and teach more effectively. Each person has unique skills and capabilities and it's enriching to experience them. 
4. Satisfaction. When you successfully teach someone a new skill (or improve on it), there is a great deal of satisfaction. Perhaps nothing more than a simple "thank you" is said but nothing really need be said. The smile on their face says it all.

My role as an NRA Training Counselor is to teach instructor candidates how to focus on the student and communicate effectively. Being an NRA Certified Instructor is all about helping students. Until you have done this, you have no idea how much you receive in return. 

So what are the pre-requisites for an NRA Certified Instructor? An instructor candidate must be FIRST "a people focused individual" with competent shooting skills -- not expert. Your primary motivation must be helping others shoot effectively.