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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60 episodes
Oct 23, 2025
The View From Above: Leading With Perspective
In this episode, I reflect on what it means to lead with perspective and how gaining emotional altitude helps teachers respond with clarity instead of reaction. As Mr.…
Oct 22, 2025
Wings Of Gratitude: Teaching Students The Art Of Appreciation
In this episode, I reflect on how gratitude acts as the unseen force that helps teachers and students rise. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I connect this…
Oct 21, 2025
Flying Together, Helping Others Rise As You Soar
In this episode, I reflect on the idea that teaching was never meant to be a solo flight. Using the metaphor of eagles soaring together, I explore how…
Oct 20, 2025
Be The Eagle: Rising Above Negativity And Staying Focused On Your Mission
In this episode, I share the metaphor of the eagle and the crow as a powerful reminder of how educators can respond to negativity without being pulled into…
Oct 16, 2025
Quiet Moments Matter: Finding Peace In The Noise Of Teaching And Life
In this episode, I reflect on why quiet moments matter in the constant noise of teaching and life. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I talk about how…
Oct 14, 2025
Progress Takes Time: Patience, Process, And The Power Of Staying Steady
In this episode, I reflect on why progress in teaching takes time and why patience and consistency matter more than quick results. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve,…
Oct 7, 2025
Grace Over Guilt: Letting Go And Leading With Compassion
In this episode, I focus on grace over guilt and why letting go and leading with compassion matters so deeply in teaching. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve,…
Sep 19, 2025
Be The Storm Finding Strength When Teaching Gets Tough
In this episode, I, Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, focus on what it means to be the storm—finding strength when teaching gets tough. I talk about how storms…
Sep 10, 2025
Kids Are Watching: Modeling The Kind Of Grownups You Want Them To Become
In this episode, I reflect as Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve on the truth that kids are always watching us, and that our students learn as much from…
Sep 8, 2025
You Don’t Have To Be Perfect, Just Present
In this episode, I explore the idea that teachers don’t need to be perfect to make a meaningful impact, only present, sharing this reflection as Mr. Funky Teacher,…
Sep 3, 2025
Managing Risk And Teaching, Balancing Challenges And Safety
In this episode, I focus on managing risk in teaching and how balancing challenge and safety helps students grow, and I share why this idea matters so much…
Aug 15, 2025
Back To School Teacher Overwhelm: How To Manage Stress And Stay Positive
I share how even after 20-plus years in education, the start of a new school year can still feel overwhelming, and I reflect on the difference between being…