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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8 episodes
Jul 20, 2026
Summer Check-In 3: Learning Never Stops
In this episode, I reflect on one of the beliefs that has shaped my entire career: learning never stops. As I prepare to travel to Lincoln to help…
Jan 30, 2026
When Culture Breaks, Learning Stops
I explore why classroom culture is the emotional foundation that makes learning possible. When trust erodes, when students no longer feel safe or seen, even the strongest lessons…
Dec 11, 2025
What Students Really Remember: Hint It’s Not The Curriculum
In this episode, I talk about what students truly remember from their time in school and why it’s not the curriculum, worksheets, or benchmark tests that stay with…
Nov 26, 2025
Let Kids Try Hard Things: The Gift Of Struggle
This episode focuses on an essential truth about growth that applies to students, educators, and families alike. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I reflect on why kids…
Nov 14, 2025
Trust Over Testing: What Finland Can Teach Us About Keeping Teachers
In this episode, I explore why teacher retention looks so different in Finland compared to the United States and what that contrast reveals about trust, autonomy, and respect…
Nov 3, 2025
Beyond The Test: Why Teacher Impact Can’t Be Measured By Scores
In this episode, I examine why teacher impact goes far beyond what test scores can capture. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I explore how the heart of…
Sep 12, 2025
How Do You Provide Rigor While Still Keeping It Fun And Exciting For Students?
In this episode, I reflect as Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve on a question from an educator at a conference session: how do we provide rigor while still…
Sep 4, 2025
Teaching Soft Skills: Preparing Students for Life Beyond the Classroom (with 10 Key Soft Skills for Career Success in 2026)
In this episode, I focus on teaching soft skills and why they matter so much for preparing students for life beyond the classroom, and I share this message…