Instructor Methodology Program

The Instructor Methodology (IM) Program is a core part of POST’s broader effort to redesign Colorado’s Basic Academy. While the curriculum redesign focuses on what recruits learn, the IM Program focuses on how they learn it. Together, these two initiatives ensure that every recruit — no matter which academy they attend — receives instruction that is consistent, research-informed, hands-on, and engaging.

The IM Program prepares instructors to teach in ways that match the new curriculum. By giving instructors practical tools, strategies, and confidence in using active learning, POST is making it easier for academies to transition smoothly as the redesigned curriculum launches statewide.
 

Why POST Created the IM Program

Colorado’s Basic Academy Redesign Project is developing a curriculum that teaches recruits through practice, not passive listening.

The IM Program prepares instructors to teach in this new way by focusing on:

• Active learning;
• Decision-making practice;
• Realistic scenarios;
• Useful, growth-oriented feedback;
• Integrated learning across skills, law, communication, and tactics. 

Research is clear: trainees learn more, retain more, and perform better when they are actively engaged.

What the IM Program Includes

The IM Program is built around two core courses and a trainer pathway. Each course leads to a certification that aligns an instructor’s role with the redesigned academy.

IM Basic

• 2-day, in-person course;

• Required for anyone who teaches independently at a POST-approved academy;

• Teaches instructors how to run an active, engaging class that builds real skills;

• Certification: Certified Basic Instructor. 

If an instructor does not complete IM Basic, they remain a Limited Instructor and may only teach when a Certified Basic Instructor is present.

 

IM Course Design

• Up to 40 hours, flexible delivery;

• Required for anyone who develops or modifies curriculum for the Unified Curriculum; 

• Covers how people learn, how to design active learning, and how to integrate skills effectively;

• Certification: Course Designer.

Where We Are Now

Certification requirements begin when the Unified Curriculum launches.

Currently, POST is in the Preparation Phase: 
 

• IM courses are available statewide;
• Certifications earned now will count when requirements take effect;
• POST is collecting feedback to strengthen the program;
• Academies may host IM Basic to help instructors participate. 

To support all academies, POST is offering IM Program courses at no cost in each region of the state. POST provides:

• Course materials;
• Certified facilitators;
• Evaluation tools;
• Ongoing implementation support. 

POST is partnering with regional program leads to host and schedule these trainings so that every LETA has easy access.

As the redesign continues, POST will build regional cadres of Instructor Trainers who can teach IM Program courses locally. This ensures sustainable, high-quality delivery without relying solely on statewide staff, and strengthens long-term instructional capacity across Colorado.

 

Learn more about Trainer roles in FAQ document (PDF).

 

If you are interested in hosting a course or becoming a training please email POSTIMCourse@coag.gov.

What Funding is Available

To further reduce barriers to participation, POST is offering IM Program scholarships to offset the cost for participating in IM Program courses—including IM Basic, IM Course Design, and trainer pathways. Scholarships are intended to support statewide access to the IM Program and help agencies and academies build instructional capacity as Colorado’s redesigned academy curriculum is implemented.

The application is available here. Further details on eligibility, covered courses, and how to apply are available in the IM Program Scholarship FAQs (PDF).

What You Should Do Now

Academies

• Host an IM Basic course;
• Identify instructors who need IM Basic or IM Course Design;
• Encourage interested staff to pursue trainer roles. 

Instructors

• Enroll in an IM Basic course;
• Take IM Course Design if you develop or modify curriculum;
• Start using more active learning strategies in your classroom. 

Agencies

• Learn how the redesigned academy will prepare future recruits;
• Support instructors and training staff in participating. 

To host a course or if you are interested in attending an IM Basic or IM Course Design, please email POSTIMCourse@coag.gov. 

Resources

• IM Program Scholarship FAQs (PDF)
• IM Program FAQ (PDF)

How You Can Be Involved

If you have subject matter expertise or experience in adult learning or curriculum development, POST welcomes your participation in the Curriculum Development Teams. 

Submit a resume, letter of intent, and letter of agency support to gwen.burke@coag.gov.