Be A Funky Teacher

Podcast Episodes

Saturday Stories — Leadership Kit: Make Decisions — Waiting Isn’t Leading

Episode Summary In this Saturday Stories episode, I introduce a new focus within the Leadership Kit—decision making. While previous lessons focused on attitude and influence, this episode shifts toward action. Leadership is not just about how we feel or think, but about what we choose to do when faced with uncertainty. Through the story Waiting

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Why Kids Remember How We Made Them Feel

Episode Summary In this episode, I explore why students often remember how they were treated more than what they were taught. While academic content is important, the emotional experiences students have in classrooms tend to leave a deeper and more lasting impression. These experiences shape how students remember school and how they see themselves. Students

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The Ripple Effect of Being Human

Episode Summary In this episode, I build on the idea of teacher impact by focusing on something we often don’t fully recognize in the moment—the ripple effect. Teaching is not limited to lessons and assignments. The way we respond to students, especially in small, everyday moments, can carry influence far beyond what we see in

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When Students Feel Seen

Episode Summary In this episode, I take a closer look at one of the most powerful ways teachers make a difference—helping students feel seen. While teaching often focuses on academics, students carry far more into the classroom than assignments and grades. They carry emotions, experiences, and personal challenges that shape how they show up each

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The Difference a Teacher Can Make

Episode Summary In this episode, I explore the real difference a teacher can make in the lives of students. While academic outcomes like test scores and grades matter, some of the most meaningful impacts teachers have are not easily measured. They show up quietly in how students begin to think about themselves, how they approach

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Sunday School for Teachers: The Vine — Staying Connected

Episode Summary In this Sunday School for Teachers episode, I reflect on Jesus’ teaching in John 15 about the vine and the branches. This powerful image reminds believers that life and strength flow from staying connected to Christ. Teachers give constantly throughout the day—patience, instruction, encouragement, leadership, and emotional support. Without staying spiritually grounded, it

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Saturday Stories — Leadership Kit: Spread Joy and Happiness — It Started at One Table

Episode Summary In this Saturday Stories episode from the Leadership Kit, I share a classroom story called It Started at One Table. The story illustrates how positive energy and encouragement can spread through a room when one group of students chooses to approach a challenge differently. The story begins with a classroom feeling heavy and

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When Meaning Carries You Forward

Episode Summary In this episode, I explore how meaning carries teachers forward through the ordinary rhythms of education. While great days in the classroom are energizing, most of the work of teaching happens on steady, ordinary days. Motivation comes and goes, but meaning lasts longer. Meaning reminds teachers that their work matters even when inspiration

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When Teaching Feels Sacred Again

Episode Summary In this episode, I explore the moments in teaching that feel sacred again. Many days in education can feel routine and mechanical, filled with transitions, behavior redirection, and responsibilities. But occasionally something deeper breaks through. These moments rarely arrive during perfect lessons or exciting activities. Instead, they appear quietly — when a struggling

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