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 12, 2026
What It Means to Be a Funky Teacher
This episode reflects on what it truly means to be a funky teacher beyond personality, performance, or style. Being funky is about how we show up on heavy…
Jan 11, 2026
Sunday School for Teachers: The Good Samaritan: Loving Beyond Convenience
In this Sunday School for Teachers episode, I reflect on the parable of the Good Samaritan and what it means to love beyond convenience as an educator. Faith…
Jan 10, 2026
Saturday Stories Leadership Kit: Stop Interrupting — Aaliyah Notices
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…
Jan 9, 2026
School Is the Safest Place for Some Kids — And Breaks Complicate That
In this episode, I talk about a truth many educators feel but don’t always say out loud: for some kids, school is the safest place they have. It’s…
Jan 8, 2026
What Students Notice That Adults Often Miss
In this episode, I reflect on how students are constantly observing more than we often realize. They notice fairness, tone, consistency, and how adults respond under pressure long…
Jan 7, 2026
When Teaching Doesn’t Go As Planned: Why Adaptability Is One of a Teacher’s Greatest Strengths
Teaching rarely unfolds exactly as planned, and I explore why adaptability is one of the most important skills educators can model. I reflect on how unexpected challenges test…
Jan 6, 2026
The First Day Back Matters More Than the Lesson Plan
The first day back after a break carries more weight than many educators realize. I reflect on why what students feel when they walk through the door matters…
Jan 5, 2026
Coming Back After the Break: The Emotional Side of Teaching Nobody Warns You About
Coming back after a long break brings a mix of excitement, heaviness, gratitude, and anxiety that I know many teachers experience but rarely talk about. Returning to school…
Jan 4, 2026
Sunday School for Teachers: David And Goliath: Faith Bigger Than Fear
This episode centers on the story of David and Goliath and what it reveals about faith that is bigger than fear. I reflect on this familiar scripture with…
Dec 20, 2025
A Pause Before Winter Break: Gratitude, Reflection, And Taking Care Of What Matters
This special message pauses the usual podcast rhythm to reflect on the end of the first semester and the weight educators carry into winter break. As Mr. Funky…
Dec 19, 2025
Listening To Student Interests Matters Just As Much: Why Connection Is A Two Way Street
This episode flips the lens on connection in the classroom by focusing on why listening to student interests matters just as much as sharing our own. As Mr.…
Dec 18, 2025
Let Kids See You’re Human: Why Sharing Your Interests Build Stronger Relationships
This episode explores the power of letting students see the human side of their teacher and why that connection matters so deeply. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve,…