An area firearm instructor is offering free license to carry courses to Valley teachers and school staff.

Emmanuel Martinez, a firearms instructor with Operation Shield, says his goal was to get 100 school personnel licenses to carry permits this summer.

So far, 70 people have taken the course.

"Even with a license to carry, they still cannot carry in the school,' Martinez said. "However, at least they know a little more of the laws and what they can do with their firearm and how to respond to an active shooter."

The active-shooter courses focus on situational awareness, meaning you know what's going on, then you react accordingly.