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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37 episodes
Aug 15, 2026
I Need to Take a Step Back
In this episode, I step away from my normal format and simply talk about where I am right now. After more than 300 episodes, multiple podcast series, book…
Aug 13, 2026
More Responsibilities, Same 24 Hours
In this episode, I look at one of the simplest realities behind teacher workload: there are still only 24 hours in a day. During my 24 years in…
Aug 11, 2026
The Student Mental Health Crisis
In this episode, I look beneath some of the student behavior we discussed in the previous episode and explore the growing emotional and mental health needs teachers are…
Aug 7, 2026
What Happens When Great Teachers Walk Away
In this episode, I wrap up the first week of the Teachers Are Not Broken series by asking what actually walks out the door when a great teacher…
Aug 6, 2026
Why This Isn’t Just a Teacher Problem
In this episode, I widen the conversation about teacher retention because I believe this crisis reaches far beyond teachers and schools. When a great educator leaves, the effects…
Aug 5, 2026
The Teacher Shortage: Symptoms vs. Causes
In this episode, I take a deeper look at what we commonly call the teacher shortage and ask whether the shortage itself is really the problem—or whether it…
Aug 4, 2026
Teacher Burnout vs. Moral Injury: Understanding the Difference
In this episode, I explore the difference between teacher burnout and moral injury, a concept that helped me better understand what many educators may be experiencing. I also…
Aug 3, 2026
Why Good Teachers Are Leaving the Profession
In this episode, I begin an important new series by asking a difficult question: why are so many good teachers leaving the profession? I want this conversation to…
Jun 24, 2026
Jason Hillman: The Impact of Trauma — A Personal Story
In this episode, I reflect on Jason Hillman’s powerful presentation about trauma from a national education conference in Las Vegas. Rather than building his session around a framework…
Jun 23, 2026
Regina Stephens Owens: Your Physical, Mental, and Relational Wellness — Thriving at Work and at Home
In this episode, I reflect on Regina Stephens Owens’ presentation about physical, mental, and relational wellness from a national education conference in Las Vegas. Teaching is deeply rewarding,…
Feb 27, 2026
Choosing Longevity Over Martyrdom
In this episode, I challenge the quiet narrative in education that exhaustion equals commitment. Martyr culture is subtle. It rewards staying late, saying yes, and absorbing everything. But…
Feb 25, 2026
Boundaries Are an Act of Leadership
In this episode, I unpack why boundaries are not defensive — they are directional. For years, I viewed boundaries as protection of time and energy. But I have…