Aspirational Code of Ethics

As Suzuki teachers and members of the Suzuki Association of the Americas, we should commit ourselves to Dr. Suzuki’s philosophy and his approach to education.

The following SAA aspirational Code of Ethics deals with six broad areas of commitment: our responsibility to the Suzuki philosophy, to the SAA, to our students and their parents, to our colleagues and to our own continuing development.

As members, we demonstrate responsibility toward the Suzuki philosophy by:

• Reflecting and promoting the Suzuki philosophy in teaching and in dealings with others
• Maintaining high standards of personal conduct and professional integrity.
• Encouraging untrained or minimally-trained teachers to pursue Suzuki training.
• Seek opportunities to endorse the philosophy of Dr. Suzuki and promote public understanding of it.
• Recognizing the dignity and the potential of all individuals.

As members, we demonstrate responsibility toward the Suzuki Association of the Americas by:

• Participating in Association activities that promote and upgrade the Suzuki teaching profession.
• Carrying out our responsibilities toward the SAA in a manner that brings credit to the SAA and to Dr. Suzuki’s name.
• Respecting and supporting the values and vision of the SAA.
• Respecting privileged information received in confidentiality.
• Demonstrating an open, sharing spirit and cooperation and collegiality toward other teacher members.
• Avoiding activities that seek personal gain at the expense of the Association’s integrity or growth.

As members, we demonstrate responsibility toward our students by:

• Providing an encouraging environment in which students can develop their musical potential.
• Setting an excellent personal and musical example for students.
• Teaching with loving awareness of each child’s individuality.
• Considering first the welfare of the child when guiding decisions in his/her behalf.

As members, we demonstrate responsibility toward parents by:

• Educating and encouraging parents to participate effectively in their child’s musical education.
• Respecting and supporting parent efforts.
• Maintaining confidentiality in personal matters regarding student and family.
• Maintaining an appropriate teacher-child relationship.

As members, we demonstrate responsibility toward our colleagues by:

• Maintaining a professional attitude and acting with integrity in regard to colleagues.
• Respecting the rights of colleagues when speaking of their work and/or students and respecting difference in teaching styles.
• Respecting the instruction of a student’s regular teacher when serving as an interim instructor.
• Giving credit to colleagues for ideas they have shared.

As members, we demonstrate responsibility for our own personal and professional development by:

• Making a commitment to life-long learning.
• Conducting business in legal and honest manner.
• Representing our professional training and competency accurately and honestly.
• Avoiding activities that would create a conflict of interest or the appearance of impropriety.