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
Jan 24, 2026
Saturday Stories — Leadership Kit: Be Present and Focus — Sofia Looks Up
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…
Jan 23, 2026
You’re Allowed to Feel This
In this episode, I slow down and name something many teachers feel but rarely say out loud. Midyear fatigue is real, and being tired, overwhelmed, frustrated, or even…
Jan 22, 2026
Why Vulnerability Matters with Kids
In this episode, I talk honestly about why vulnerability matters with kids and why it is so often misunderstood in schools. I name the tension many educators feel…
Jan 21, 2026
The Emotional Weight Teachers Carry
Teaching is emotional work, and I wanted to slow this episode down enough to name that honestly. The weight teachers carry does not show up in pacing guides,…
Jan 20, 2026
When You’re Tired but Still Show Up
In this episode, I name something that does not get said enough in education. Many teachers are not burned out. They are just tired. I explore the difference…
Jan 19, 2026
Teaching While Human
In this episode, I reflect on what it truly means to teach while being human instead of pretending I can leave my life at the door. I talk…
Jan 18, 2026
Sunday School for Teachers: The Lost Sheep — Every Child Is Worth the Search
In this Sunday School for Teachers episode, I reflect on the Parable of the Lost Sheep from Luke 15:1–7 and what it means for Christian educators. Jesus tells…
Jan 17, 2026
Saturday Stories — Leadership Kit: Get Rid of Distractions — Jayden Puts It Down
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…
Jan 16, 2026
The Teacher I’m Still Becoming
In this episode, I reflect on what it truly means to keep becoming as a teacher instead of trying to arrive at some final, polished version of myself.…
Jan 15, 2026
Permission to Be Yourself in the Classroom
I talk about how most teachers do not stop being themselves all at once, but slowly edit who they are in order to survive, comply, or avoid standing…
Jan 14, 2026
Why I Refuse to Teach on Autopilot
Teaching on autopilot can feel efficient, especially during busy or overwhelming seasons, but over time it creates distance between teachers and students. In this episode, I reflect on…
Jan 13, 2026
Teaching with Heart in a Compliance World
Teaching often exists in a constant tension between what systems demand and what students actually need. This episode reflects on the challenge of balancing compliance with connection and…