Exactly this. To be fair, I started my SSI DiveCon classes with 50 or so dives, but the classes lasted me around 9 months with weekly classes to improve our own skill level, teaching skills (in and out of the water) and how to assist with teaching. After an internship with two OW classes, we were certified, but it takes a good while longer to be a good, self confident DM/AI. After two years I decided to take the next step and go for full instructor. This was, for me at least, another process of four months of weekly classroom and pool trainings.From what level are you starting this quest? Looking at your profile I see you have listed 50-99 dives "under your belt" yet you say "I have all my own gear and I do have the luxury of taking a month or two to do this so it doesn't need to be shoehorned into a 7-10 day education"....
Frankly, you will need a lot more that a month to evolve into a good Dive Master, let alone progress to the level of Instructor. This process usually takes YEARS not MONTHS.
My advice is much like Jim Lapenta's: experience diving, become proficient, confident & safe in a variety of conditions & environments. Then start your quest to become a DM (and ultimately an Instructor).
FWIW,
The basic skills can be taught in a short timespan, but it takes longer before they're a second nature. The difference I see between myself or other instructors and new DiveCons at my club is huge, ranging from group awareness and skill level to way of demonstrating/explaining and management.