Good Bye
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
Filed under: General and
Mr. R! I’m in LA class right now, some fighting tears. A few minutes after we got into class the PA told us to all gather in the commons, so the whole 8th grade squished together. When Hannah, Ali, Kelly and I went out of the LA room we noticed that all your stuff was gone and your name on the name plate was gone. Your note you wrote was long but surprisingly about everyone payed attention. When we went back to class we were all bummed and we thought about everything you taught us, and even though we never told you, Language arts was our favorite class. It was really the only class we had to really think. We didn’t just sit and read text books and memorize useless information. Before this year I hated LA class. I thought it was a class that you only has to memorize vocab words and grammar. WWW was really fun too, even though we all complained about the leeches and the mud. That week was the most memorable week of my life and I don’t think it would have been that way without someone to make me stop and think. I don’t think any of us will forget your “Life is like a trek” poem. We all miss you. Hannah says she misses you. Kelly’s reading over my shoulder complaining like usual cause she wants to type, she misses you. Hannah says she misses you (again). Ali says thanks for helping him through this year. We learned alot from you and we hope to see you soon! Take care Mr. R
The words that come to mind in English are not fit for youngsters to add to their vocabulary.
Mr.Raisdana,
I went to school today and thought it would be another ordinary day. People kept coming up to me and telling me you resigned. It confused me and i didn’t know whether to believe them or not. Then Ataya came to me with your note. I read it and i felt like crying. I realized that was why they called the 8th graders to the commons. We felt that we should have been there as well but they did not realize we were your students as well. I always hated writing on paper. My hand would get tired and i would get bored. But after your class i have the need to write stories and i can’t stop until they are done even if my hand hurts. Whenever I think of you i will think of good and fun days laughing and writing, making life count.
We will all miss you in our own special ways. Even if we don’t cry on the outside we will be crying on the inside.
I will continue posting on my blog regularly. You won’t be able to read my posts, but they will be inspired by you.
NO MATTER WHAT WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU!!!!!
Your Friend,
Natasha
Hi, Mr. R
I hear about what happen to you. I really sad that you have to go. I went to your blog to see if what I heard is true. It is.
I really sad that you have to go! I really like you being my LA and SS teacher. Usually I hate LA and SS, but since you came I like LA and SS. You make me love to read and write.
I like hoe you write a story and stuff. You kinda unorganized but I think that what makes the class fun. Teachers usually get mad at people like Andrew, Simon like that, but you take it easy and make everything fun.
I know that you can’t reply my comment, but I hope somehow, someday you will.
I just want to say that I really going to miss you. You the 1st teacher(that is a man, not woman) that I really like.
Usually I got scared of “man” teachers, but somehow I feel fine with you.
The blog that you told me, the one that I have. I will keep work on that!
Now the blog is like one of my life. I love to write on that. Well, something happen to it. I can’t go on that for some reason. I was thinking to ask you for help, but now that you gone I feel hopeless. I hope someday you can come back to our school and teach us/ me again.
Mr. R you’ve open my eyes to literature. I really happy that you came in my life as my teacher.
Just to let you know I was crying when I found out that you’re gone!!
you know how much I love you.. we love you…hehe
Thank you for everything. I will keep working on my blog, but i have to find a was to get in there. I really need you to help me with my blog!
I hope you’ll still looking at my/our blog.
I’LL MISS YOU!!
-Ataya-
dude! this is shit! sorry for swearing but times like these calling for naughty words
you were like…the only good teacher here, the only that made me want to learn a bit
gosh dang dude
what really happended? what’d you say that made them fire you?
Never forget you bro…and you have to learn that not all Erik’s are spelt with a c
Hi Mr. R,
Like Ataya wrote, I’ve heard about what happened and chacked your blog to see if it was true. Inside me, I really hoped that all of what people have said wasn’t true. Sadly, it is..
I just wanted you to know that I enjoyed every second of Humanities..and that’s basically because you were there teaching us. It was new, fun and at the same time..educational.
When I heard this post being read by the Principal (Mr. L), I was fighting with my tears and trying not to let them drop. But I didn’t really do a good job. They dripped from my cheek and me and Lola (who is my new partner in class sitting next to me) were just comforting each-other and hope we don’t break down in class. But as I rode home, my eyes watered and I couldn’t pretend that nothing was going on.
As I’m writing this post, the tears are starting to flow again as I read over and remember the good things we have done in class. Even though you’ve deleted all of your student links, I hope you still know and check our blogs so you could check out things we write or post. I will still update my blog every now and then, but now, sadly, it will no longer be about what exciting things we did in Humanities class with you.
You’ve opened my mind to a whole new world and perspective I never looked at. You were the only teacher to knew and understand me well. In my head, I felt all of what happened was unfair, but I knew it was for the good of….umm…something I don’t really understand at the moment.
Humanities was a class I really looked forward to in the beginning of the day. Global Issues Club was something I became very passionate in. Everything you taught was something new and interesting to learn. The GIN conference in Dusseldorf will not be the same without you. Mr. J also got very sad when he found out about this. Thank you so much for letting me come with the rest of the group. I wish you could come with us so we could all experience it together.
Most of all, Thank You for teaching me and believe that we could do anything if we put our minds into it.
I believe that you deserve a second chance..We all do..
In my heart..you will always be the inspiring, kind, caring and fun teacher you are…Mr. Raisdana.
–Nabila
Mr. R:(
I can’t believe you left us:(
Just as i was packing up my homework last nite i was thinking about how much i love your class, and how i love doing this blogging stuff. And then this morning when i went to class, i noticed all your stuff was gone, and your name wasnt on the door anymore.. then they called us into the commons and told us the news. Believe it or not, almost everyone was in tears. The whole time ms.D was reading your speech to us, i was thinking “how is this possible?” because it was so out of no where. None of us expected it.
You made Language Arts class more fun, and more interesting. We didnt sit there and read text books, or memorize vocabulary… you taught us about life. And how to educating ourselves is the most important thing. I want you to know that you have taught me alot. And even though you are not teaching at our school anymore, i will always think of you as my teacher, no matter who they replace you with. I had a great year with you Mr.R, thank you for everything.
I really hope to see you soon.
We all miss you so much
Take care
-Kelly
Hello Ataya,
I am a teacher in Australia which is where the person who runs Learnerblogs lives. I have emailed him about the problem with your blog to see if he can help. Can you get to your dashboard at all? If you can then changing the presentation theme might help fix the problem. Otherwise I hope James Farmer will be able to help when he sees my email. Good luck with your blog.
Ataya, (and all of you)–
I’m a teacher/librarian at a school in Texas, and a group of us have read about your teacher leaving.
We’re sorry to hear that because we can tell how much all of you care.
Ataya, we want to help you get your blog fixed because we can tell it is really important to you.
We’re contacting the person who runs the edublogs site to get it fixed. I think it probably can be! Check back here and someone will post something when it gets fixed.
We want you to know that lots of other teachers care about the great things your teacher was doing with the blogs in your classroom.
We hope you all hang in there.
Maybe the best thing you can do is to remember the things that Mr. Raisdana said and show the new teacher how you are responsible, honest, compassionate and respectful….. That would be a great tribute to him.
Other teachers are thinking about you from far away.
We miss you a lot around here, and there were some tears shed as Ms. Dolan read out your speech. I’ll tell you this, our lovely SWAT class, we’ll never be the same. Nobody knew exactly what to do, but we’re closer. We didn’t see it before, but when we saw the plants gone from the windowsill, or everything erased from the board (like that list of people who were SUPPOSED to perform, grr), all that stuff brought us together. Even if it was just sharing wide eyed looks going “Oh my god, where are the plants?”, we shared a moment in which it really didn’t matter who was who or whatever. Really cool. We’re learning quickly. You’ve taught us a lot. You even have taught us to teach ourselves. So, yeah, you gave extremely long speeches. But you gave them in a way that really got to us. Honestly, your speeches put all the other speeches from teachers about grades, and collage, and all that to shame. Honesty comes a long way with kids like us, and its pretty awesome of you to be able to figure that out. We’re sad you won’t be around to see the absolutely amazing SWAT class we’ll eventually become but thats ok, because we’re hoping you know we will. I know I’m the quiet kid who never says much, and thats just the way I am right now. But, you’ve got me thinking. You have us all thinking. We won’t forget you, Mr. Raisdana.
Dear Mr. R,
Here I am, crying buckets. I just wanted to say that you are the best teacher I have ever had. Even though you mightn’t be with us ever again in person, you will most definitely live in all your stkudents hearts. Well, to make a long story short, I just wanted to say that we will all miss you.
David
P.S. I (and surely many others) wish that this was all a bad dream that we will wake up of and find that you haven’t resigned at all.
P.P.S. You made me look forward to Language Arts and Social Studies.
Mr. R-
I can’t believe this. Just as we were getting the feel of our blogs, the whole thing came to a screeching halt. I have to admit, when I first met you, I didn’t really agree with anything you said, and kind of dismissed it all. After a while, I started to understand and accept all of your ideas. Out of all of my language arts classes ever, I truly and sincerely think I learned the most from yours. You didn’t teach us about grammar and puncuation. You taught us something more important, how to learn, and how to be a better person. I never thought I would say this, but I really do miss you already, and will continue to, I know it. You are one of the best teachers I’ve ever had, and I will always remember you. I’ve learned more in the one semester you taught me than I ever have before. I appreciate everything. A lot. Thanks again, and I’m going to miss you a lot.
Randa
Hi, Jo McLeay and Carolyn Foote,
I just check on my blog. Yes I can go to my dashboard. I did change the presentation theme and it did work. Thank you for your help.
Yeah this blog now one of the most really importan, pressus things to me.
Thanks for the understanding:)
Ataya,
So glad that fixed it.
And this goes to everyone in Mr. R’s class, if you need blog help, click on my name or on Jo Mcleay’s and drop us a note, and we’ll do our best.
Take care, Carolyn Foote
Mr R,
Okay,
jeez,
So there I was checking out reviews of Jimmy Eat World’s latest album, Chase This Light, when I remembered the time when you were talking about how you wrote multiple page reviews on ONE SONG.
So then I decided to check out your blog and click on Good Bye,
because the title piqued my curiosity (I clicked because I usually read the comments of an entry =)).
I seriously couldn’t believe what I was reading, and what this…this abomination that cost you your job was.
I read every single word of the entry, and every single word of Major Change At Intrepid Classroom. As I was reading through the comments, I actually became teary-eyed! I got teary-eyed over an event that I wasn’t even part of. This is probably because you were a pretty big part of my school life back then.
Just to reiterate two of the points that some of the other kids have mentioned:
-You were definitely the best teacher I have ever had
-You still are
I’m proud to have been your student and I always boast about how good a teacher you were.
All I really want to say is that I’m sorry and I wish you all the best.
=)
Dear Mr. R,
I’m just writing to say thanks. Thanks for being there for us. Thanks for teaching us so much in LA, SWAT and Journalism. And most of all, thanks for dealing with all of our crappy attitudes and complaints on WWW! Even through the leeches and treks, I want you to know that we did learn alot, especially from you, and ended up having the best week of our life’s!!!!! WE WILL MISS YOU SOOOO MUCH!!!!! Thanks for making such a big difference at ASD, in the 8th grade, and being such a great friend to me during my first year at school. I’ll never forget you, and hope someday, I’ll get to see you again, so I can tell you all this in person.
~Emily
Every time I had a day 2 I got excited because I had the best teachers, except for band. Everytime I entered your classroom I felt welcome because the music you played was not only the music I like (except for the rap), but it also inspired me to be who I should and potentialy will become. The art and plants that you had in your room really made the room feel more expressive and easy going. And you always brightened up my day with not so much of english, but more of perceptions of life through art. Although I never liked writing alot, you made me see a different side of writing as to where I could let my thoughts spill out onto a piece of paper and then suddenly you made my thoughts turn into a huge lively botanical garden. Although we probably don’t agree on alot of political ideas and such, I thought that you were the best, easy going, fun, expressive teacher I have ever had. My days without you throughout eigth grade will never be the same. When I first saw you I thought that you were some loony computer guy that was inspired about how cool programs are ont he computer, but now I look at you as a man who didn’t care about grades but on how we could succeed throughout life, a man who encourages growing awareness on all the world, someone who knows that everyone is ignorant including himself but tries his very best to find out more, a person that strives for cooperation, not competition, and last but not least a man that knows exactly who he wants to influence people. I know your probably sitting at home messing around on your computer or pondering of how things went and should’ve gone, but hey, if you didn’t show us the blogs in the first place then you wouldn’t have anything to do except for eat and sleep. It was unfourtanate that you weren’t given a second chance but you were right… Life is like a trek.
mr.r!
Just like david said, i did hope it was a bad dream i would wake up from. but i realized it wasn’t. We all really miss you but on the WWW poster outside your room the “no cry babies” sign was up. Whenever i walk into classi will see that and remember
Thank you!
Natasha
Hi,
I don’t know where to start…
After two days I still can’t get my thoughts down.
Well first I should Thank you so “Thank You, Mr.R’. You have taught us to learn and grow and you are the best L.A teacher I have ever had and i have had a lot of teachers.
I was crying during your letter. I could hear you, your voice while Mrs.D read it to us. I just hope you keep on looking at our blogs because, believe it or not but I’m still gonna go on.I will post almost everything we do in class so you don’t feel left out.
I won’t ask why, though I yearn to know.
I’m gonna really miss you especially in Global Issues, we might not be able to make our blog bloom anymore, now that you are not here.
Well i still can’t get my thought straight.
Leila
Awww… Natasha and David bring up so much thoughts into my head again. I have to keep on reminding myself over and over again that my most favorite teacher isn’t there anymore…physically talking of course. Then, everything you have told us like “No Cry Babies” or “Write For The Sake of Writing” will always be in my head. I keep on imagining that when I walk through your classroom doors, I will see those tall plants and your photos of Tunis doors and of course…you sitting in your chair typing on your computer.
We’re already missing you..
–Nabila
Wow!
I’m from a class in Australia and it’s amazing how much respect and, i guess, love you all had for your teacher!
He seems like he was the best teacher taht taught you so much.
I hope he’s well.
Crossing the line…
My Twitterific has been running hot in the past few minutes as news about Jabiz Raisdana, otherwise known as Intrepid Teacher, spreads through the blogosphere. The story is a fascinating commentary on the times we live in. Raisdana, a……
mr.r
Mr.L said it was up to us to communicate with you. So i would appreciate it if you checked my blog once in a while!!! thanks!
Natasha
Mr.R,
Today Nabila and I, we went to the principal. I asked him if I can communicate with you still. GUESS WHT HE SAID!!
It’s up to us if we want to communicate with you
so it’s mean I can still talk to you..even though it’s from internet..blog..
I just hope that you can reply back.. becuase I don’t know if you can reply the comment at the momnet..
but I hope soon you can…
Mr. R I miss you
you know that cry babies sign??!!
I always want to take that sign off!!
cause every time I saw that, it makes me think of you..
you know the teacher now..well, she’s ok but she acts is like we’re a 6th grader..
I like how you ran our class better than how she runs our class!!
Mr.R please talk to us ASAP!!
hello Mr. R.
i just heard the news and was shocked!
some of us miss you here in south east asia (wonder if that bloging policy still applies…) and well, you where the best english teacher ive ever had… well ive only had 2… ok, your the best language teacher ive ever had!!
i can see that the students that you had where happy to have you as their teacher!
oh and thank you for teaching me the basic English i needed to survive here!
Mr. R!!!
I never had your class but you were always an amazing teacher and taught me soo many things, it really sucks not having you around and you are already missed by sooo many people.
as a mother i cannot tell you the small number of teachers who blessed my son’s life throughout his schooling… always tried to let the teachers know by their efforts my son’s life was blessed immeasureably… do not forget the good fight.. your post is beautiful… tho i do not know the story behind the story i only see you and your loving concern for your students… i stopped by from shelley’s butwait blog… intrepid you rock as they say….
I am distressed and dismayed at the actions required of you. The school should have stood by you for your exceptional teaching ability. You taught many of our children about what it means to operate in a 21st century world. You made the learning space that much more interesting and created an environment of wonder and awe. I congratulate you for all you did for the children in your care. Pity the school administration was so blind as to fail to see what (and who) they’re losing.
Dear Mr. R,
You were the first teacher that really listened to me and made me realise my abilities in English, I cannot believe such an appalling thing could happen to you. I just thought you would like to know that everyone (even some of the new kids that don’t know you) in my grade and the year above is sad for you. I would just like to tell you, you’re always welcome back!!! I just hope that the school realises what a great role model and fantastic teacher they are losing. ;(
Hi Mr. Raisdana.
I hope you read this, ’cause it really means a lot to me that you know that I really miss you. I had journalism with you, 2nd semester, and you were my attendance leader for http://WWW. And I don’t think I’ve ever leaned so much from one single person in my life, as you learned me. You reaaly motivated me to do certain things, which I never thought I should do. Now wher we’ve got a sub, I realized that I never really got to say godbye to you. I am deply sad that this is the way it ended, and I just rushed out the classrom that last day. The next day we had a substitude, and I just thought you were sick, but sunday we had this assembly where Ms. D was reading your letter to us, and I thought of all the things you tought me. I learned how to handle a camera, I learned how to use Google Docs, I learned the different types of shots, I learned how you should use proper lighting in your shuts, and I would for shure learn more from you if you’d stayed. But sadly you didn’t, and I just want you to know these last things.
Yours, Thomas D.
P.S.: we all miss you, really!
Hey sir,
Well yea heard what happend, I never had a class with your nor really had a conversation, but you seemed as a really cool person, and you were different because you seemed more relaxed and chilled about everything.
I know you I could of learned quite a bit from you, maybe I can reading your’e blogs, there pretty neat.
Keep on trekking man!
The schools lost a true teacher, and its there loss, keep doing what you do best.
Have a good one sir,
RV
Dear Mr Raisdana,
I am very sorry to hear about your release from ASD. I do not know what ‘image’ or ‘material’ was witnessed to result in your dismissal; all I know is that we are all paying the price for the loss of your instruction. You were about to help me step into the Intrepid classroom and learn all about what it had to offer. Your beacon of light has now been removed for the sake of ‘reputation’ and all is a little darker now. Why does ‘Dead Poets Society’ come to mind here? Good luck to you and wish us luck as well…
I wish I ran a school system and could hire you to teach in my daughters’ schools (mine are presently in the 8th and 2nd grade, respectively). I only just found your blog, but it’s clear enough to me that you are a worthy and, indeed, intrepid educator. I hope you have great success wherever you land next; you bear serious and important gifts.
Be well. In time, I hope, your intrepid qualities will be more rewarded than they are presently being punished.
[...] Steam Ahead - today he is out of a job! How any school can afford to get rid of a teacher with such clarity of vision and such passion and compassion is a mystery to me - and his students have made their own thoughts clear about his predicament [...]
Hey Mr.R
. It was so gloomy. Your art, music, and plants always made the room feel so welcoming. And dont worry- I wont stop blogging! I hope you dont stop commenting on and reading them. I was looking forward to hear what you had to say at the conferences the other day, and to what you had to say about The Wave- we’d just started reading. I was also looking forward to hearing your labor art song and will check for it if you post it on here. You made a huge impact on me and my learning and I will never forget you. I will still think of you as my teacher and will always visit your classroom on here. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Thanks for everything,
We all miss you soooo much! I’m really sorry you had to leave. You’re definately one of the best teachers I’ve ever had! I loved how you taught us how to teach and educate ourselves- you taught us how to learn. I really appreciate everything you’ve done for us. When the teachers gathered us all in the commons on Sunday and told us the unfortunate news I was fighting back tears. And when Ms.D read the note the lump in my throat grew bigger and bigger. The first thing I noticed when I walked into your room the next day was that the plant was missing- I loved that plant. I also noticed the color of the walls in there- grey and peach
Kallie
PS- You never know what you’ve got untill its gone.
[...] many teachers out there might hope to have their students write words such as these about [...]
Hey Mr. R,
When we were all called into the commons, I thought there was a fight or something had been vandalized or something. But when Ms. D read that letter, no-one moved, no-one talked, everything was silent. Everyone was just so shocked and upset that everyone could only be silent. It was sad coming into the classroom, knowing you were gone, and seeing the walls all plain. The classroom is very empty, and I miss all the plants (especially the really tall one). I think you should have just been on probation or something, because it was really sudden and at a really bad time when you left. Please keep looking at our blogs, and why did you delete all the links to them (the blogs)? We miss you a lot. Thankyou for being a great teacher.
Hello, this is Dustin from Mr. Fishers class… that must really suck how you lost your whole entire job over on online page out of billions… well… just thought id say hi :D, even though i dont know you, you sound pretty cool hhaa… but anyways, hope everything works out for you… cya later