Core Values at TMI Episcopal

The following is a statement of the Core Values of TMI Episcopal which I developed over a period of several years while working with our Administration and Board of Governors. The Mission of TMI states that we are rooted in "values based on the teachings of Jesus Christ". The following five values are central to Christ's teachings, and form the Foundation that the Pillars of TMI are built upon. So these values can be adapted for presentations, publications, prayers, and programs, they are presented "telescopically": Each includes a memorable word, short definition, several bullet points of description, action steps, and a Scriptural study to illustrate what these values are. The purpose of these Core Values is to create a "moral compass" that guides our students to grow W.I.S.E.R. day by day, so we may become an excellent educational community which develops their full potential in service and leadership.

WISDOM: We are committed to developing intellectual curiosity, inspiring self-reflection, and challenging students to strive for academic achievement.

• We seek and nurture students, faculty, and staff, empowering them to be motivated and creative.
• We apply our best effort and strive to continually improve.
• We believe that education extends beyond the classroom, and strive for a collaborative relationship between the student, the parent, and the school.
• We work to create a non-distracting environment that is conducive to study, reflection, and learning.
• In Scripture, study Matthew 22.35-40; Luke 24.44-45; John 16.12-15; Romans 12.1-2.

INTEGRITY: We are committed to developing the capacity to know the good, to do the good, and to love the good, so that we embody virtue and character in all we do.

• We are honest with each other, as we create a community of integrity, mutual respect, and trust.
• We embrace our differences and treat everyone with dignity, kindness, and respect.
• We seek to live in such a way that it brings honor to our families, our TMI community, and our nation.
• We work to fulfill our honor code, refusing to lie, cheat, or steal, nor tolerating dishonesty in others.
• In Scripture, study Luke 6.43-49; Matthew 5.17-48; Philippians 2.12-16; Colossians 3.1-14.

SERVICE: We are committed to compassion, as we develop empathy for others, and embody this in concrete acts of service in our community.

• We foster spiritual growth by putting our faith in action through service to others.
• We learn how to lead through service, so that we may grow into servant leaders.
• We seek to identify our gifts, talents, and passions, that we may use our blessings to bless others.
• We work to find opportunities to share our blessings, and help those who are needy and suffering.
• In Scripture, study Luke 10.25-37; Matthew 25.31-46; Mark 10.42-45; Philippians 2.1-13.

EXCELLENCE: We are committed to continual growth as we develop our full potential throughout our common life, from the classroom, to the athletic field, to the chapel, to the parade ground, to the dormitory.

• We give students the opportunity to grow and excel, through curricular and co-curricular programs which require adaptive learning, so we can prepare them for a life of servant leadership.
• We equip teachers to flourish and excel in creating a robust learning environment to attain the highest standards for college-preparatory learning.
• We communicate clearly and regularly with our community about our values and goals, how we are living them out, and how we can use them to adapt to new challenges and situations.
• We work to encourage others to develop their gifts and talents in all areas of life.
• In Scripture, study Matthew 5.14-16; Philippians 3.12-16; Ephesians 4.11-16; 1Peter 4.10-11.

REVERENCE: We are committed to a spiritual vision greater than ourselves, as we grow in our relationship with the Source and Meaning of our existence, revealed in the person of Jesus Christ.

• We believe that we are created to reveal the goodness of God, as we pursue our spiritual journey.
• We seek to be a community that reveres God by respecting others, and preserving our natural world.
• We devote ourselves to the academic study of religion and the practice of faith, so we may receive God's grace and hear God's Word.
• We work to support spiritual growth in every person, and honor the spiritual paths of others.
• In Scripture, study Mark 12.28-34; Matthew 6.5-13; Mark 1.14-20; Acts 17.19-31; Matthew 28.16-20.