We founded TEA on some important guiding principles and core values. In modern times like these, we must lean on them to guide us forward, together. These values and beliefs are core elements of our culture at TEA. They are embedded in our learner outcomes, guide school wide decisions, and embody the most important elements for which we stand. Now, more than ever, we stand committed to our values and to providing our students with the opportunity to look at current events through a critical lens. Our goal as educators is to teach students how to critically think, not what to think. We utilize experts and resources with diverse perspectives, data, and historical context to help students to develop their own critical thinking, evidence-based decision making, sense of self and ability to engage with one another and the world. We foster learning environments that allow us to expose students to multiple and diverse perspectives and encourage healthy, constructive discourse.
We teach our Adapt to Thrive learner outcome by strategically pushing students out of their comfort zone both inside and outside of the classroom. Examples include engaging with adult experts on a peer-to-peer level, grappling with real-world problems that can result in failed prototypes, extended physical challenges, and embracing mental curveballs that simulate a variety of challenges professionals face on any given day.
We teach our Triple Bottom Line for a Just and Equitable World learner outcome through hands-on investigations of real world topics. We seek to teach our students how to critically think and analyze multiple perspectives so they can identify how they wish to contribute to the world in line with their own personal values.