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Talk with an expert

Become a SANS Instructor

SANS seeks the best cybersecurity practitioners and speakers to join the ranks of our world-class cadre of instructors. Becoming a SANS Certified instructor is an honor reserved for those who exhibit consistent expertise as practitioners and an insatiable desire to improve the community through education.

Apply Now
Instructor Teaching

Giving Back to the Cybersecurity Community Through Teaching

Hear from Eric Johnson, SANS Senior Instructor, as he shares his journey from attending his first SANS event in 2012 to becoming an instructor. Reflecting on his early experiences learning from industry experts, Eric talks about the excitement and inspiration that led him to give back to the cybersecurity community. If you’re passionate about sharing your knowledge and helping shape future cybersecurity professionals, explore what it means to become a SANS Instructor—and how you can make a lasting impact.

Turn Your Hard-Earned Experience into Impact

In this video, Frank Kim, SANS Curriculum Lead for Cybersecurity Leadership and Cloud Security, shares what the SANS Institute looks for in new instructors. If you’ve held a management, leadership, or CISO role, and have the battle scars and lessons to prove it, your experience could help shape the future of cybersecurity leadership. Share the lessons that shaped your path and help guide others through the challenges you’ve already faced. If you’re passionate about mentorship and helping others grow, this could be your moment to lead and inspire new voices in the field.

SANS Certified instructors are passionate teachers that dedicate themselves to helping improve the cybersecurity community and others, regardless of skill, through teaching and educating.

SANS Instructor Development program requirements:

  1. Dedicate multiple weeks per year to SANS teaching engagements
  2. Present yourself as a current practitioner in the cybersecurity community with many years of experience
  3. Demonstrate in-depth technical and professional capabilities with a consistent and continued desire to learn and master many subjects
  4. Speak at teaching, conference, or industry events with dedication and proficiency
  5. Show passion for the cybersecurity field and sharing of knowledge with the global community

If you can meet the above requirements, please submit your application for the SANS Instructor Development program. Upon application review and acceptance into the program, we will assess your current capabilities and experience to help build a plan specific to your development needs that will help you succeed as an Instructor. The SANS Instructor Development program is a highly competitive opportunity with limited positions available. Please contact us at teach@sans.org with any questions about the SANS Instructor Development program.

Preparing to Become a SANS Instructor

Build Your Network

  • If you are not already a member of an information security association, such as ISSA, ISACA or HTCIA or a local user group, attend a local chapter meeting in your area and get to know the members. You'll learn a lot about what's happening in the industry and in your area.
  • Make sure your LinkedIn profile is current. If you don't have a LinkedIn profile, create one. LinkedIn is the first place people go to learn more about you so keep it updated and post information about your course, talks or other community involvement on your page. LinkedIn also has a number of information security related groups you can join.
  • Participate in the GIAC Advisory Board or information security related blogs.
  • Take on a speaking engagement with an association, user's group or community event where your skills are a good match. Cyber security is a topic people are very interested in and want to learn more.
  • Join Twitter and follow SANS and other Mentors and instructors. It's very interesting to see what others are working on.

Polish Your Speaking Skills

While you don't have to be a professional speaker to start, you will need to be comfortable talking to people and sharing your stories and experiences related to the course you are leading. If public speaking is not part of your role, here are a few things you can do to boost your confidence level:

  • Join a local Toastmaster's Club.
  • Seek opportunities in the community where you can do a short talk or presentation such as Chamber of Commerce meetings, PTA and school related functions or clubs such as Rotary or Elks Lodge.
  • Prepare a presentation and ask your colleagues/friends to listen and give you constructive feedback.
Become a SANS Instructor | SANS Institute