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
309 episodes
Apr 28, 2026
Teaching Adaptability Instead of Certainty
In this episode, I reflect on a moment early in my teaching career when everything changed unexpectedly, and how that experience shaped my understanding of adaptability. That moment…
Apr 27, 2026
Preparing Students for Jobs That Don’t Exist Yet
In this episode, I take on a phrase we hear often in education—preparing students for jobs that don’t exist yet—and unpack what that really means in practice. While…
Apr 26, 2026
Sunday School for Teachers — The Valley of Dry Bones: Hope in Hard Seasons
In this episode, I reflect on the story of the Valley of Dry Bones from Ezekiel and what it reveals about hope in seasons that feel difficult, stuck,…
Apr 25, 2026
Saturday Stories — Leadership Kit: Do What You Say — You Said You Would
In this episode, I focus on the importance of responsibility through the idea of doing what you say you will do. This goes beyond completing tasks—it’s about trust,…
Apr 24, 2026
Collaboration as a Human Skill
In this episode, I talk about why collaboration still matters deeply, even in a time when students can work more independently than ever before. Just because students can…
Apr 23, 2026
Creativity Isn’t a Prompt
In this episode, I talk about how creativity is being misunderstood in a world where students can generate polished work quickly. Just because something looks creative doesn’t mean…
Apr 22, 2026
Ethics Cannot Be Outsourced
In this episode, I talk about why ethics cannot be outsourced, especially in a time when students have access to powerful tools that can generate answers and complete…
Apr 21, 2026
Critical Thinking in a Generative World
In this episode, I talk about the growing challenge of teaching critical thinking in a world where students can generate answers instantly. Just because something looks complete or…
Apr 20, 2026
Discernment Over Information
In this episode, I talk about the difference between having access to information and actually understanding it. We are living in a time where students can find answers…
Apr 19, 2026
Sunday School for Teachers: Elijah Under the Broom Tree — When You’re Burned Out
In this episode, I reflect on the story of Elijah under the broom tree and what it means for teachers who are feeling burned out. After a powerful…
Apr 18, 2026
Saturday Stories — Leadership Kit: Give Your Best Effort — It Still Counts
In this episode, I introduce a Saturday Story from the Leadership Kit focused on the value of effort and the skill of giving your best, even when it’s…
Apr 17, 2026
Relationships Still Anchor Learning
In this episode, I talk about how much is changing in education right now—new tools, new systems, new conversations—but I come back to something that hasn’t changed. Relationships…