Be A Funky Teacher Podcast
Real conversations for educators who care deeply about the work.
Classroom stories, practical ideas, teacher well-being, leadership, student voice, and honest reflection from Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve.
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309 episodes
Mar 24, 2026
The Throughline
In this episode, I reflect on the idea that teaching is not a collection of separate tasks, but a connected body of work. Over time, what may feel…
Mar 23, 2026
Why This Work Still Matters
In this episode, I reflect on the moments in teaching when the work begins to feel heavy and disconnected. Over time, the pressure, pace, and expectations can cause…
Mar 22, 2026
Sunday School for Teachers: Ruth — Faithfulness in Small Places
In this Sunday School for Teachers episode, I reflect on the story of Ruth and the power of faithfulness in small places. In a time of loss and…
Mar 21, 2026
Saturday Stories — Leadership Kit: Deal with Mistakes — The Redo
In this Saturday Stories episode, I focus on the leadership skill of dealing with mistakes. While decision-making is important, what matters just as much is how students respond…
Mar 20, 2026
Keep Showing Up
In this episode, I focus on one of the most powerful yet simple ideas in teaching—keep showing up. Teaching can feel overwhelming at times, with constant pressure, expectations,…
Mar 19, 2026
This Is the Teacher I Choose to Be
In this episode, I reflect on the idea that teaching is not just something we do—it is something we become over time. Through experiences, challenges, and reflection, teachers…
Mar 18, 2026
Choosing Heart Every Day
In this episode, I focus on one of the most important choices teachers make each day—choosing heart. While many aspects of teaching are outside of our control, how…
Mar 17, 2026
Staying Funky When Things Get Hard
In this episode, I focus on what it truly means to stay a “funky teacher” when teaching gets difficult. It is easy to show up with energy and…
Mar 16, 2026
Becoming a Funky Teacher Is a Journey
In this episode, I explore what it really means to become a “funky teacher.” It is not about being flashy or having a certain personality. Instead, it is…
Mar 15, 2026
Sunday School for Teachers: The Armor of God — Guarding Your Heart in Teaching
In this Sunday School for Teachers episode, I reflect on the Armor of God from Ephesians 6 and how it applies to the daily life of an educator.…
Mar 14, 2026
Saturday Stories — Leadership Kit: Make Decisions — Waiting Isn’t Leading
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.…
Mar 13, 2026
Why Kids Remember How We Made Them Feel
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…