I totally agree that there is a large group of citizens who would benefit from excellent basic firearms training. I have been doing various kinds of instructing (up to university level) for 40 years and the most important thing
I have learned is that "early learning is strong learning." The first things they are taught is what they will do when the heat is on. That is what makes high quality, grass roots instruction so very important. The NRA emphasizes safety first, standardized instruction and basic techniques. Not a bad plan!
Once you get into the advanced areas, there are many different (and valid) approaches. Front Sight, Thunder Ranch, Gabe Suarez and on and on. But they all build on the basic fundamentals which the NRA does very well. The lesson plans for all disciplines are standardized and very well developed.
I'm sure there are several Basic Pistol Instructor courses available in the SOCAL area (including mine
Southwest Firearms Training) during the next few weeks.
Check them out and if you have questions, you can email, PM or call me or one of the other Training Counselors on the forum.
There is no greater gratification than seeing a novice have success at the range! DO IT.