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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31 episodes
Jan 28, 2026
Relationships Over Rules
Rules matter in my classroom. Structure matters. Consistency matters. But I have learned that rules without relationships only create compliance, not connection. In this episode, I unpack why…
Jan 27, 2026
Safety Before Standards
In this episode, I talk about something that can feel almost rebellious in education but shouldn’t: safety has to come before standards. I make it clear that standards,…
Jan 26, 2026
Belonging Comes First
In this episode, I talk about something that sits underneath every lesson plan, every standard, and every behavior conversation: belonging. I say clearly that belonging is not a…
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 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…
Dec 15, 2025
School Is A Safe Place And Breaks Aren’t Always Easy For Every Kid
In this episode, I reflect on the reality that while school breaks are joyful for many students, they can be difficult and even destabilizing for others. As Mr.…
Dec 3, 2025
Why Kids Don’t Learn When They Don’t Feel Safe
This episode explores why students cannot learn when they do not feel safe and how understanding the brain changes the way we approach behavior in the classroom. As…
Oct 17, 2025
One Caring Adult: The Power Of Truly Seeing Every Child
In this episode, I focus on the idea that every child needs one caring adult who truly sees them. I share how presence, belief, and consistency matter more…
Oct 10, 2025
Creating A Classroom Where Students Feel Safe To Take Risks
In this episode, I talk about what it truly means to create a classroom where students feel safe to take risks. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I…
Sep 17, 2025
How To Regain Control Of Your Classroom Without Losing Relationships
In this episode, I, Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, talk about how to regain control of your classroom without losing relationships. I share what it feels like when…
Sep 16, 2025
How To Structure A Group Behavior Meeting With Parents And Staff
As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I walk through how to structure a group behavior meeting with parents and staff in a way that lowers tension and builds…
Sep 11, 2025
How Do We Keep It Fun? Why Joy Still Belongs In The Classroom
In this episode, I reflect as Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve on a question that was asked after my presentation at the National Teacher Leadership Conference about how…