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We aim to ensure our participants have a meaningful experience in our online training, and we know the great benefits of accessibility offered by online courses. As we navigate the changes that came from the pandemic and a new reality of in-person and online learning, we know there are many questions and concerns about ensuring high-quality programming. The SAA will continue to work with Teacher Trainers, Institute and Festival Directors, University programs, and all members of our SAA community to ensure we build policies that maintain accessibility and high-quality experiences.
We want Teacher Trainers to continue their work in offering online courses and ask that Teacher Trainers encourage participants to experience a balance of in-person and online training. We also ask that Teacher Trainers support Institutes by being collaborative when possible. We will continue to review our policies and work in accordance with any policies issued by the International Suzuki Association. Please see our policies below, and refer to the Teacher Development Program as well.
The SAA and other regions are reviewing the balance of in-person and online training by a participant, especially in regard to course content, pedagogical information, and necessary playing components. Online training and reciprocity between regions are being discussed between all regions.
Terminology
The SAA uses the following terminology to describe the format and delivery system of teacher training courses.
| In person | 100% of the class hours take place with all participants present in person. |
| Online | 100% of the class hours take place online with all participants present online. Online is also used to generally refer to online, hybrid, and dual-delivery courses. |
| Hybrid | All participants experience some of the class hours online and some in-person. |
| Dual-delivery | Some participants take the course online and some participants take the course in-person, simultaneously. |
Course Offering Timelines
This section offers information about when Trainers can offer training based on their location and/or program type . Courses should be posted for approval six weeks before the course start date. SAA will continue to annually review the timelines below. Contact [email protected] to request a scheduling exception or for more information.
| Who is hosting? | When can training be offered? | Additional Information |
| Teacher Trainers in North America in their private studios and at workshops hosted by chapter affiliates, Suzuki programs, and other organizations | September – May | To encourage participation at Institutes, we request that Teacher Trainers offer unit & core courses only during these months. Instrument groups that are new, smaller in size, and/or in remote areas are welcome to submit requests for exceptions during the summer months. |
| Degree-granting University programs | During the university’s academic year | |
| Institutes in North America | June, July, and August | Institutes are approved according to Institute Guidelines. To support Teacher Trainers, institutes are requested to be inclusive in their hiring. Consider rotating faculty and/or bringing in someone new when possible. |
| Teacher Trainers in Latin America | Throughout the year | Please consult with local Latin American Country Association leaders for collaboration in supporting members and Teacher Trainers. |
| Festivals in Latin America | Throughout the year | Please consult with local Latin American Country Association leaders for collaboration in supporting members and Teacher Trainers. |
Guidelines for Online Training
In addition to the policies listed below, please follow the general guidelines offered in the Teacher Development Program.
All courses, with the exception of SECE unit courses, can be offered online. Course maximums are generally smaller for online courses, hybrid, and dual-delivery courses than for in-person courses. Details are listed under each course in the Teacher Development Program. SAA course fees are the same for online courses as for in-person courses.
As with in-person courses, participants in online courses must be at least 18 years old and done with high school. Before starting Unit 1, participants must complete Every Child Can! or Filosofia, as well as submitting and passing an audition. SAA Active Membership is required in order to enroll in Unit 1.
The prescribed order of courses remains the same when taking online courses: After Unit 1, Unit 2, Teaching Strategies, then Unit 3, and, for violas, Unit 4. We encourage taking all units in order, but after Unit 3 (for violas, Unit 4), other unit courses may be taken in any order.
For all unit courses, we strongly recommend a maximum of 4 hour online per day. Observations can include live lessons, live-streamed lessons, or recorded lessons. It is beneficial to observe the trainer working with their own students, whether live or pre-recorded. Please allow time for class discussion of observations throughout the span of the course.
Dual-delivery courses require additional skills and may require additional technical support. If you are an Institute Director or Course Host, please be sure Teacher Trainers have the assistance necessary to be effective for both the online and the in-person participants. If you are a Teacher Trainer, please connect with the Director or Course Host to ensure you have the setup necessary to ensure a great experience for participants.
Training Between Regions
Training between regions is governed by ISA Policies. For teachers from other Regional Associations to participate in any SAA course, the following guidelines apply:
- Participants must show proof of membership in the Regional Association where they are living.
- Participants living outside the SAA region must provide written permission from their Regional Association to take the selected course from the SAA.
- It is the decision of the home Regional Association as to whether the course will be recognized by the home region.
- Other stipulations may apply. Please email [email protected] with any questions.