You are probably wondering where I have gone and why Ms. D is reading these words to you. You may have heard rumors about what has happened. All I can tell you is this: A member of the community took objection to some material I had posted on my personal blog. The material was not meant to be offensive or provocative. It was an art project I worked on a year ago. Because there was a link from my professional blog to my personal blog where this material was stored, the school felt I had acted irresponsibly. I agree with the schools decision and understand that connecting this material to my professional space was inappropriate, and now I am feeling the consequences. I hope this is the lesson you take from this- our actions online have far reaching consequences. The post and the link have since been removed as to not cause any more controversy for my family and the community. After much deliberation with the school, it was mutually decided that I should resign. The decision was made to ensure the best for my family at this time, but please know that I did not quit on you!
Here are my closing words:
Since I first met you, in August of last year, there have been several recurring themes that I have tried to teach you. Now that I am not longer there, I hope that you will recall what those ideas were, and try to apply them to your learning. They are not complicated ideas or difficult skills, although people often assume they are. So here is my, “if you only learned a few things from me, this is what I hope you have learned” speech:
1. Education, your education, your learning is not about textbooks, or grades, or these four walls, or GPAs, or honor rolls. It is not about getting into a good college, to get a good job, to have a good life; and it cannot be measured with concepts like success or wealth. Your education is about your curiosity to grow and learn as a human being. It is about finding things you love and nurturing them in everything you do. It is about eradicating ignorance, first from your life, and then from the world around you. Education is about a more sustainable planet, a place that resolves conflicts with reason and logic and love. Education is the light in the darkness and the voice of reason in the face of fear-based ignorance. Education is standing up to the mob and being an individual. Education is not being afraid to be challenged. It is an open and flexible mind- A mind that seeks and explores possibilities with childlike curiosity and passion. A mind that is not satisfied with answers, but only rendering more questions. Education is never bored; it is constantly looking for new experiences from which to learn. Education goes beyond culture, religion, and race. Education is was what true freedom looks like.
2. Words and images are powerful. They have the power to raise awareness; the power to open closed minds. They have the power to demand change and resist oppression. Words and images in poetry, songs, film, novels, comics, and spray painted on subway walls have the power to make people think and act. Words and images are the manifestation of your dreams. Your ideas. Your feelings. Your thoughts all have a role to play in the world. You matter. Coupled with an educated mind, words and images are the only things that will ever change the world. Sometimes words and the ideas they represent will be all you have. They say idealism is a form of stubbornness, but I say idealism is faith in yourself and a better world.
3. Respect, Compassion, Honesty, Responsibility, are not just four words to be ignored and typed up and placed in frames in classrooms around the world. They are the very core of who we should be. No amount of wealth or financial success will ever bring about peace to the world or to yourself. You must learn to see yourself as a part of a bigger whole. You are not the greatest. You are not the best. You are not entitled to things because of your class, nationality, or religion. You are one member of a much larger global community. A world that is rapidly being destroyed by people who think they are entitled to more than their share. Respect, Compassion, Honesty, Responsibility…simple. Can you incorporate those traits into everything you do?
There you have it. I know your young adolescent attention spans are wavering. So let me sum up: Educate yourself. Express yourself. Be kind.
In closing, remember that no matter how much grief I have given you, or how many, “I am disappointed in you lectures” I have spouted off, I am proud of you all and the work you have done. Your blogs are things of beauty; your poetry has made me cry. I am only sad that I will not be able to hear you perform them. To see your growth from children into young adults in a matter of months has been inspiring.
I tell all of my students one thing and I will tell you now- I teach because in your faces I see the confused fourteen year old that was me, who was simply looking for an adult to trust. I guess as an adult, I am still looking for that person. When really I should understand that there is more to learn from youth than anyplace else. It has been a pleasure learning from you. I miss you already. Remember it doesn’t matter who your teacher is as long as you want to learn.
I wish you all the best. Do me a favor and look up the word intrepid and remember me as such. The school and I have decided that it would be best if I didn’t correspond with you until things settle down a bit. So I will not be commenting on your blogs, (but I will be reading them) nor will I be involved in the “conversations” that may develop here on Intrepid Classroom. Just know that I will be reading what you have to say. I have given you the tools, now go on- educate yourself…
With regret and sadness. Your friend and teacher,
Jabiz Raisdana
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