What does it really take to become someone others can trust to teach them?
In this episode of Instructor Track, I sit down with retired U.S. Navy veteran Doran Glass II for an honest conversation about his journey from lifelong firearms enthusiast and student to someone seriously considering taking the next step into firearms instruction.
This conversation was recorded earlier in Doran's journey—and I intentionally kept it that way. Because sometimes there's more value in seeing where someone starts than only seeing where they eventually end up.
Doran brings years of military experience, firearms training, and professional teaching experience to the conversation. But what stood out wasn't simply what he already knew. It was his willingness to keep learning.
As Doran puts it:
“One of the worst things I think I could be is a half-educated instructor.”
That statement becomes the heart of our conversation.
We talk about the experience that reignited his passion for teaching after he stepped in to help three inexperienced women at the range, why he's deliberately taking classes and learning from other instructors, and the questions he's asking himself before deciding he's ready to teach others.
Because becoming an instructor isn't simply about earning another certification.
It's about accepting the responsibility that comes with someone trusting you to help build their knowledge, skills, confidence, and judgment.
IN THIS EPISODE
• How Doran's 20-year Navy career shaped his approach to learning and preparedness
• Why being willing to listen helped him qualify expert his first time shooting
• The childhood firearms experience that changed how he later taught his own children
• The range encounter that made him reconsider becoming an instructor
• Why helping new shooters reminded him how much he enjoyed teaching
• The difference between having experience and being ready to teach it
• Why humility remains essential no matter how much experience you have
• The value of continuing to take classes—even when you already know the fundamentals
• Why Doran approaches every instructor with the mindset: “Teach me as if I know nothing.”
• What it means to take responsibility for the people you eventually teach
CHAPTERS:
00:00:00 The Instructor Track
01:12 Doran’s Firearms Journey
06:26 Growing Up Around Guns
11:36 Becoming a Concealed Carrier
19:16 The Moment That Sparked Teaching
24:33 Helping Shooters on the Range
30:25 What Instructor Track Is About
31:12 Military vs. Civilian Training
37:31 The Half-Educated Instructor
42:15 Good Instructors Keep Learning
45:02 Knowledge, Skill & the Journey
ABOUT INSTRUCTOR TRACK
Instructor Track is a Prepared & Proven series exploring the people, mindset, experiences, and professional development behind becoming an effective instructor.
These aren't just conversations about certifications.
They're conversations about growth, responsibility, mentorship, continued education, and what it takes to become someone others can trust to teach them.
Never stop being a student.
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DISCLAIMER
The information shared on Prepared & Proven is for educational and informational purposes only.
Stay safe. Stay prepared. Stay empowered.
