Suburban Gun Range Receives High Interest For Teacher Training Sessions, Adds Classes

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A Crystal Lake gun range is having to add classes after offering a limited number of free slots for teachers.

On Target Range and Tactical Training Center Director of Operations Tom Dorsch said the response has been beyond their wildest expectations. More than 200 teachers have signed up for concealed carry classes.  

“It’s almost like we have awoken a sleeping giant within the education system, because there’s so many of them who have called, and we’re still taking calls today as we speak. We’re making special classes just for teachers," Dorsh said.

It’s not for all people, he said.

“I want to make that clear. I’m not a proponent for arming all teachers because some of them just don’t have the mindset or the ability and never will.” 

The initial two-day classes hold 24 people. 

And Dorsch said they’re encouraging more advanced courses after that.   

"We wanted to give teachers the opportunity to do some training with us, we’re not going to get into the politics of it, but at least if something goes on in Illinois where they allow well-trained teachers to carry on school grounds at least they have the training.” 

The cost of 16-hours of training over two days is $225.