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.
Podcast Media Library
Search the archive, browse by topic or series, and open an episode to listen or explore the ideas that matter to you.
Browse by topic
Browse by series
31 episodes
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…
Dec 12, 2025
Kids Don’t Learn When Adults Are Out Of Sync: Why Your Energy Sets The Tone
In this episode, I talk about why kids don’t learn when adults are out of sync and how our energy sets the emotional tone of the classroom before…
Dec 9, 2025
100 Lessons That Changed My Teaching Journey And Made Me Mr. Funky Teacher
In this Episode 100, I celebrate “100 lessons that changed my teaching journey and made me Mr. Funky Teacher.” As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I share the…
Dec 5, 2025
Your Tone Is A Teaching Tool: Why Kids Learn More From How You Say It Than What You Say
This episode explores the powerful role tone plays in teaching and how students learn more from how we speak than the words we use. As Mr. Funky Teacher,…
Dec 2, 2025
Kids Are Not Mini Adults: Adjust Expectations, Not Compassion
This episode centers on the reminder that kids are not miniature adults and should not be expected to think, feel, or regulate emotions like grown-ups. As Mr. Funky…
Nov 28, 2025
Why Classroom Culture Is More Important Than Classroom Control
This episode gets to the heart of how students actually learn and grow. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I share why classroom culture matters more than classroom…
Oct 31, 2025
Fall Fun And Funky Celebrations: Why Classroom Parties Still Matter
In this episode, I talk about fall fun and funky celebrations and why classroom parties still matter. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I reflect on how celebration…
Oct 30, 2025
Celebrating With Students: Finding Joy In The Moments That Matter
In this episode, I explore how celebrating with students is not an extra, but an essential part of meaningful teaching. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I reflect…
Oct 15, 2025
Finding Joy In The Small Things: How Simple Moments Can Refill A Teacher’s Heart
In this episode, I reflect on how finding joy in small things can refill a teacher’s heart when teaching and life feel busy or overwhelming. As Mr. Funky…
Oct 9, 2025
Showing Up Matters: The Power Of Supporting Students Beyond The Classroom
In this episode, I focus on why showing up matters and how supporting students beyond the classroom strengthens relationships and learning. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I…
Oct 6, 2025
Homecoming Week: Why Teachers Should Join In The Fun And Show Their School Spirit
In this episode, I talk about homecoming week and why teachers joining in the fun and showing school spirit truly matters. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I…
Sep 18, 2025
Advocating For Kids Standing Up When Adults Belittle, Humiliate, Or Make Fun Of Students
In this episode, I, Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, focus on advocating for kids when adults belittle, humiliate, or make fun of students. I talk about why this…