Episode Summary In this episode, I reflect as Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve on the truth that kids are always watching us, and that our students learn as much from how we live as from what we teach. I share a few personal moments that grounded me, including a calm, beautiful evening watching my youngest
Kids Are Watching: Modeling The Kind Of Grownups You Want Them To Become Read More »
Episode Summary In this episode, I reflect on the power of starting over as Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, sharing what it has meant to begin again in a new school district while holding onto the same heart for teaching and students. I share personal moments of gratitude, including appreciation for my dad’s independence, my
The Power Of Starting Over: New District, New Systems, Same Heart Read More »
Episode Summary In this episode, I explore the idea that teachers don’t need to be perfect to make a meaningful impact, only present, sharing this reflection as Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve. I talk about how showing up consistently for students emotionally, mentally, and physically builds trust far more than flawless lessons ever could. I
You Don’t Have To Be Perfect, Just Present Read More »
Episode Summary In this episode, I talk honestly about teaching on tough days and what it looks like to show up when you’re not feeling a hundred percent, sharing this reflection as Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve. I acknowledge that teachers are human too and that low-energy days don’t make us weak, they make us
Teaching On Tough Days: How To Show Up When You’re Not Feeling A Hundred Percent Read More »
Episode Summary In this episode, I focus on teaching soft skills and why they matter so much for preparing students for life beyond the classroom, and I share this message as Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve. I explain that soft skills carry students into adulthood and deserve intentional teaching alongside academics. I start by sharing
Episode Summary In this episode, I focus on managing risk in teaching and how balancing challenge and safety helps students grow, and I share why this idea matters so much to me as Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve. I talk about how teaching, much like learning a new skill, carries risk, and how that risk
Managing Risk And Teaching, Balancing Challenges And Safety Read More »
Episode Summary In this episode, I focus on teacher boundaries and how to care without burning out, and I share why this matters so much to me as Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve. I talk about how teachers are wired to give, but without boundaries, exhaustion takes over, and students can feel it. I reflect
Teacher Boundaries: How To Care Without Burning Out Read More »
Episode Summary In this episode, I focus on the human side of teaching and why building classroom community by putting relationships before rigor matters more than anything else. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I reflect on how trust, connection, and belonging form the foundation for real learning to take place. I share personal stories
Episode Summary In this episode, I focus on not giving up on kids and raising expectations in every classroom. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I explain why low expectations harm students and why every child deserves someone who refuses to write them off. I share gratitude for a few extra minutes of sleep, strong
Don’t Give Up On Kids: Raising Expectations In Every Classroom Read More »
Episode Summary In this episode, I focus on building classroom community and why putting relationships before rigor is essential for meaningful learning. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I share why students learn best when they feel trusted, valued, and connected in the classroom. I begin by sharing gratitude for my microphone, new experiences, and
Building Classroom Community: Putting Relationships Before Rigor Read More »