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
Aug 2, 2026
A New School Year, A New Chapter
In this episode, I celebrate two beginnings at once: another school year and episode 300 of the Be a Funky Teacher podcast. When I recorded my first episode,…
Jul 27, 2026
Summer Check-In 4: Gratitude for Family and Looking Ahead
In this episode, I reflect on how quickly summer has passed and the importance of slowing down to appreciate the people who matter most. As my family prepares…
Jul 6, 2026
Summer Check-In 1: The Power of Shared Experiences
In this episode, I begin a new series of weekly summer check-ins by reflecting on a family canoe trip through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northern…
Jun 30, 2026
Looking Back on My First Year at Winnebago: What I Learned
In this episode, I reflect on my first year at Winnebago Public Schools after spending 22 years in South Sioux City. Starting over wasn't easy, but looking back,…
Mar 31, 2026
Why This Conversation About AI Matters for Teachers
In this episode, I explore why the conversation around AI in education feels different and why it matters right now for teachers. This is not just another passing…
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 11, 2026
Growth You Can’t Measure
In this episode, I explore the idea that not all student growth can be measured. While schools often focus on data like test scores, benchmarks, and grades, some…