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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54 episodes
Mar 27, 2026
A Letter to a Funky Teacher
In this episode, I step away from strategies and frameworks to share something more personal—a letter to teachers. After weeks of reflection, this moment is about speaking directly…
Mar 26, 2026
What Becoming Funky Actually Means
In this episode, I take a step back to unpack what the phrase “funky teacher” actually means. After weeks of exploring identity, relationships, and purpose, this idea has…
Mar 25, 2026
The Tension
In this episode, I explore a part of teaching that often goes unspoken—the tension. It is the feeling of being pulled in different directions, trying to do what…
Mar 24, 2026
The Throughline
In this episode, I reflect on the idea that teaching is not a collection of separate tasks, but a connected body of work. Over time, what may feel…
Mar 23, 2026
Why This Work Still Matters
In this episode, I reflect on the moments in teaching when the work begins to feel heavy and disconnected. Over time, the pressure, pace, and expectations can cause…
Mar 20, 2026
Keep Showing Up
In this episode, I focus on one of the most powerful yet simple ideas in teaching—keep showing up. Teaching can feel overwhelming at times, with constant pressure, expectations,…
Mar 19, 2026
This Is the Teacher I Choose to Be
In this episode, I reflect on the idea that teaching is not just something we do—it is something we become over time. Through experiences, challenges, and reflection, teachers…
Mar 18, 2026
Choosing Heart Every Day
In this episode, I focus on one of the most important choices teachers make each day—choosing heart. While many aspects of teaching are outside of our control, how…
Mar 17, 2026
Staying Funky When Things Get Hard
In this episode, I focus on what it truly means to stay a “funky teacher” when teaching gets difficult. It is easy to show up with energy and…
Mar 16, 2026
Becoming a Funky Teacher Is a Journey
In this episode, I explore what it really means to become a “funky teacher.” It is not about being flashy or having a certain personality. Instead, it is…
Mar 13, 2026
Why Kids Remember How We Made Them Feel
In this episode, I explore why students often remember how they were treated more than what they were taught. While academic content is important, the emotional experiences students…
Mar 12, 2026
The Ripple Effect of Being Human
In this episode, I build on the idea of teacher impact by focusing on something we often don’t fully recognize in the moment—the ripple effect. Teaching is not…