Episode Summary In this Saturday Stories episode, I introduce another story from the Leadership Kit focused on the value of listening to others and the skill of being present and focused. I share why presence is more than just being quiet — it’s about giving full attention to the moment and choosing to return when
Saturday Stories — Leadership Kit: Be Present and Focus — Sofia Looks Up Read More »
Episode Summary In this Saturday Stories episode, I continue building shared leadership language through story. This week’s focus is listening to others, and the skill students are practicing is getting rid of distractions. Through the story “Jaden Puts It Down,” I explore how leadership sometimes looks like something simple — closing a screen and choosing
Saturday Stories — Leadership Kit: Get Rid of Distractions — Jayden Puts It Down Read More »
Episode Summary In this episode, I introduce a new Saturday series called Saturday Stories, a collection of short leadership stories designed for use with students. These stories are part of the Leadership Kit, a resource built to help teachers develop shared leadership language through real moments kids recognize. I share the first Saturday Story, Aaliyah
Saturday Stories Leadership Kit: Stop Interrupting — Aaliyah Notices Read More »
Episode Summary In this episode, I talk about why consistency matters more than noise when it comes to teacher leadership and how real leadership is rooted in steady presence rather than being the loudest voice in the room. I share how leadership shows up through reliability, follow-through, and doing the right thing even when no
Consistency Over Noise: Why Real Teacher Leaders Don’t Need To Be Loud Read More »
Episode Summary In this episode, I reflect on why intent matters when sharing advocacy. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I unpack how the way we tell our advocacy stories can either build trust and connection or unintentionally shift focus away from the mission. I begin with gratitude for small supports that made advocacy possible,
Intent Matters: Sharing Advocacy Without Losing The Mission Read More »
Episode Summary In this episode, I reflect on what I learned after speaking truth at the Nebraska State Capitol. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I record from a quiet corner of the Capitol just after testifying before Nebraska state senators on teacher burnout and retention. I share gratitude for a positive and receptive experience,
After The Testimony: What I Learned From Speaking Truth At The Capitol Read More »
Episode Summary In this episode, I share a moment of advocacy just before stepping beyond the classroom. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I record from my car outside the Nebraska State Capitol, preparing to present to Nebraska state senators on teacher burnout and retention. I reflect on gratitude found in autumn leaves, open roads,
Before The Testimony: The Power Of Using Your Teacher Voice Read More »
Episode Summary In this episode, I focus on what it truly means to build a strong collaborative team at the grade level. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I share how trust, clarity, and purpose are not optional extras, but the foundation of effective teamwork in schools. I reflect on personal moments of gratitude, including
Episode Summary In this episode, I reflect on what it really means to address a mistake I’ve made within a collaborative team. I explore why the hardest part of a mistake is often not the error itself, but the vulnerability required to acknowledge it openly and honestly. I share a real example from my own
How to Address a Mistake You Made with a Collaborative Team Read More »
Episode Summary In this episode, I explore the Bad Apple Effect and how one negative voice can impact an entire team. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I share why this concept matters so much in schools and how attitude, both positive and negative, spreads faster than we sometimes realize. I begin by sharing gratitude
The Bad Apple Effect: How One Negative Voice Can Impact A Whole Team Read More »