CODE OF ETHICS

The Illinois Music Association is a non-profit organization which strives to promote the value of the study of music, support the professionalism of music teachers, and provide a fair competition for music students of all ages and levels. Commitment to ethical professional conduct is expected by every member of the IMA as well as by any teacher entering students into the annual State Olympic Competition Teachers shall maintain the highest standard of professional conduct and integrity.

Teachers shall conduct the relationship with students and families in a professional manner.

Teachers shall maintain a professional attitude and shall act with integrity in regard to colleagues in the profession.

Teachers shall respect the reputation of colleagues and shall refrain from making false or malicious statements about colleagues or the IMA itself.

IMA STATE OLYMPIC COMPETITION

Teachers must not knowingly disobey IMA Olympic rules and regulations, including disclosing the names and phone numbers of IMA Board Members to parents and students.

Teachers shall enter their students into the contest level which is best suited for each student’s ability. Teachers shall not intentionally underclass any student in the competition in an effort to have a greater chance of winning a trophy.

Teachers shall conduct themselves in a professional manner while in attendance at the Olympic Competition.

REPORTING VIOLATIONS

Accusations as to a violation of the IMA Code of Ethics must be sent to any Board Member by registered mail or presented in person at any regularly scheduled IMA meeting. Allegations can also be made to a Board Member by any parent, student, contest volunteer or adjudicator while in attendance at the Olympic Competition. All allegations will be investigated thoroughly and decisions in regards to the situation will not be made lightly.

NOTIFICATION OF VIOLATIONS

Should a teacher be accused of violating the IMA Code of Ethics, the matter will be discussed in a special session of the IMA Board of Directors. If the allegations appear to have merit, the teacher will be notified by registered mail as to the exact details of the accusation. The teacher then has the right to respond within thirty days by registered mail, to any Board Member or to attend the next scheduled IMA meeting to discuss the charges.

RESOLUTION OF VIOLATIONS

Teachers found to be in violation of the Code of Ethics may be subjected to one or more of the following actions based upon the nature and severity of the offense. Teachers who were determined to have been disruptive at the Olympic Contest itself may be barred from attending the event. In addition, a teacher may be put on a probationary period of two years during which time any subsequent violation may result in more serious measures. The IMA reserves the right to temporarily suspend or permanently deny a teacher’s entitlement to enter students into the State Olympic Competition as well as to temporarily suspend or permanently deny membership to any teacher found to be in violation of the IMA Code of Ethics. These decisions will be taken very seriously, requiring a majority vote of IMA Board Members. Teachers will be notified in writing as to the decision made.