Basic Instructor Training (5-day)

Course Overview:
The Basic Instructor / Train-the-Trainer program is an intensive 5-day professional development course designed for public safety personnel who are ready to assume the critical role of an instructor within their organizations. This program provides a foundational understanding of instructional methods grounded in the principles of adult learning and skill development, preparing students to become effective and influential trainers. Participants will be challenged to not only master the material but also to transform into dynamic trainers/coaches capable of building the skill sets of public safety professionals.

Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Apply the fundamental principles of adult learning theory to instructional design and delivery.
- Master advanced communication techniques to command an audience and convey complex topics with clarity. Utilize effective coaching language and methodology to bring critical skill development.
- Develop, evaluate, and present comprehensive lesson plans, objectives, and effective testing strategies.
- Prepare and proficiently use various training aids to enhance the learning experience.
- Construct and deliver multiple presentations (lecture and physical presentations), demonstrating instructional mastery and the ability to engage a discerning adult audience.

Program Methodology:
This is a highly interactive and practical course that emphasizes presentation and coaching skills. Our curriculum is built on andragogical principles, recognizing that adult learners are self-directed, pragmatic, and draw heavily on their previous experiences. The program methodology includes:
- Application-based learning: Students will immediately apply classroom theory to practical exercises, developing several presentations throughout the week.
- Individual and peer feedback: A substantial portion of the program is dedicated to constructive critique, both from instructors and peers, to refine presentation and teaching skills.
- Rigorous final presentation: The course culminates in a final 30-minute presentation, where students will showcase their instructional competencies by drafting objectives, presenting a lesson plan, and teaching a public safety-related topic to the class using training aids. This capstone exercise is an authentic assessment of the skills and knowledge acquired.

Commitment and Expectations:
This is an intense program that demands significant commitment. Attendees should expect to invest time outside of scheduled classroom hours for preparation and refinement of their presentations. This rigorous approach ensures that each participant leaves with the confidence and competence required to train with excellence.

Certifications:
Successful completion of this course satisfies the instructor certification training requirements for either the Police Training & Standards Commission or the Correctional Training Commission.

Who Should Attend:
-This program is ideal for experienced public safety personnel who have demonstrated subject matter mastery and possess the potential to become effective instructors within their agencies.
- MPCTC Instructor Certification is only required for those individuals who will be teaching more than 3 hours in any one MPCTC approved training program. An individual who provides 3 hours or less of instruction for a Commission-approved training course is exempt from the requirement to have instructor certification required under COMAR. Additional conditions and details on obtaining full Instructor Certification as required by MPCTC can be found here: mpctc.dpscs.maryland.gov/approval.htm
- All applicants for the MPCTC Basic Instructor Training Program must receive approval from their home agency in order to register for this training (online registration implies approval). Students wishing to attend the course outside of authorization from their agency will not be permitted.


Enrollment Requirements:

Justification: For each enrollee, the agency head or training coordinator must submit an email to [email protected] providing a 2-3 sentence description of why the student requires the training. Justification should include where the student will be teaching (academy or in-service) and how many hours per program.

Restrictions: This course is limited to 3 students per agency. Agencies wishing to substitute a student will still need to provide the above justification. Walk-in substitutions will not be admitted without a signed justification from the agency head or training coordinator. Also, agencies holding a seat with a yet to-be-determined student will need to send in the justification at least 2 MONTHS PRIOR to the course start date. If a student name and justification are not received by this time, the hold will be automatically removed from the roster.

Non-Client Agencies:Applicants from any non-client agencies will be admitted to the class only if there are vacant seats remaining within 1 week of the first day of training. Client Agencies are Maryland certified agencies under the regulated authority of the Maryland Police and Corrections Training Commissions (MPCTC). Interested persons can email a signed registration form to [email protected] to be added to the non-client waitlist. All forms must have an approving signature in order to register the student. This can be an agency head, supervisor, or training coordinator – someone to authorize the student to take this course. MD Police & Correctional Training Commissions requires credit card information in order to process non-client enrollments (Visa or MasterCard).


If the class is full and a training coordinator wishes to place a student on the waitlist, please complete the Basic Instructor Waitlist Request Form.

Location: PSETC Sykesville
Dates of Class: 09/08/2025 - 09/12/2025
Approval Number: P47379
Approved Hours: 35
Price: 100.00

8:30am-4:30pm
$100 for client agencies / $150 for non-client agencies (DPSCS = no cost)
Program Approval Information P47379/ C18683