Basic Instructor Certification Course

The Basic Instructor Certification Course prepares law enforcement professionals to design and deliver high-quality training by introducing the foundational concepts of effective instruction. Participants learn the teaching-learning process, including needs assessment, task analysis, developing learning objectives, lesson planning, and instructional methods. The course emphasizes the creation and use of instructional media to enhance presentations, as well as the development of testing and evaluation procedures to measure learning outcomes. Each trainee demonstrates mastery through two evaluated teaching exercises, ensuring they can effectively instruct in real-world settings. Designed for peace officers, agency training coordinators, supervisors, and public safety trainers seeking TCOLE instructor proficiency certification, the course requires two years of professional or teaching experience—or a qualifying degree—to enroll.

Topics Covered / Course Objectives

  • Designing lesson plans and course documentation
  • Enhancing presentation skills and public speaking
  • Improving methods for effective instruction
  • Understanding factors that affect learning
  • Understanding processes of teaching/learning
  • Using instructional aids/media
  • Writing learning objectives

Who Should Attend / Admission Requirements

  • Individuals desiring to qualify for an instructor proficiency certification
  • Texas peace officers wishing to become trainers
  • Agency Training Coordinators
  • Training Supervisors
  • Public safety trainers
  • Pre-Requisites: Two years' experience as a peace officer, telecommunicator, or jailer; or a bachelor's degree and two years of teaching experience; or a graduate degree.

Course Hours

Participants receive 40 hours of TCOLE (1014) credit.

Course Cost / Fee Policy

Basic Instructor Certification Course is $395 per person.

Cancellation / No-Show Policy

If the participant has already paid, he/she will be refunded half the cost of the registration fee if written notice of cancellation is received by the Program Coordinator no later than fourteen (14) business days prior to the program. No refunds are available after this date, but substitutions of attendees are permitted.

If no written cancellation is received and the participant does not attend the program, the participant or their agency will be required to pay 100% of the registration fee if the registration fee was not previously paid.

Course Contact

Viki Stifflemire, Assistant to the Executive Director
Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas
George J. Beto Criminal Justice Building
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TX 77341-2417
Fax: (936) 294-3926
Phone: (936) 294-4243
Phone: 800-477-9248
vds021@shsu.edu