Be A Funky Teacher Podcast

Episode Summary In this Sunday School for Teachers episode, I reflect on how faith in Jesus shapes my teaching and leadership. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I share why teaching is more than a job and how seeking God’s wisdom keeps me grounded, growing, and focused on what truly matters. I explore the story of Solomon from First Kings and his humble request for a discerning heart. Rather t...

Episode Summary In this episode, I reflect on why intent matters when sharing advocacy. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I unpack how the way we tell our advocacy stories can either build trust and connection or unintentionally shift focus away from the mission. I begin with gratitude for small supports that made advocacy possible, meaningful photos that capture courage without ego, and a sup...

Episode Summary In this episode, I reflect on what I learned after speaking truth at the Nebraska State Capitol. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I record from a quiet corner of the Capitol just after testifying before Nebraska state senators on teacher burnout and retention. I share gratitude for a positive and receptive experience, supportive district leadership, and the privilege of advoca...

Episode Summary In this episode, I share a moment of advocacy just before stepping beyond the classroom. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I record from my car outside the Nebraska State Capitol, preparing to present to Nebraska state senators on teacher burnout and retention. I reflect on gratitude found in autumn leaves, open roads, and a calm sunrise, moments that grounded me before walking...

Episode Summary In this episode, I focus on the power of participation and why voting matters for educators and students. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I explore how showing up for our communities models responsibility, voice, and leadership for the young people we teach. I begin with gratitude for the freedom to vote, the beauty of a star-filled sky, and the quiet moments before sunrise....

Episode Summary In this episode, I talk openly about the invisible work teachers carry every single day. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I name the emotional, mental, and relational labor that rarely shows up on schedules, evaluations, or pay scales, but quietly holds schools together. I ground the conversation in gratitude for small but meaningful supports, like mini fridges, rolling shelve...

Episode Summary 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 teaching is rooted in relationships, compassion, and moments that data can never fully measure. I begin with gratitude for unexpected warm November days, time to rest, and the care shown by doctors and urgent care professionals...

Episode Summary In this Sunday School for Teachers episode, I introduce a new weekly reflection series created for Christian educators. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I share why dedicating space to faith matters to me and how my belief in Jesus grounds the way I teach, lead, and love students. I reflect on gratitude for my faith, the ability to use my voice for good, and the joy of teachin...

Episode Summary In this episode, I talk about fall fun and funky celebrations and why classroom parties still matter. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I reflect on how celebration isn’t about candy or distractions, but about building connection, community, and memories that last. I share personal moments that filled my heart recently, like my birthday cookie cake, carving pumpkins with my fam...

Episode Summary In this episode, I explore how celebrating with students is not an extra, but an essential part of meaningful teaching. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I reflect on how joy, gratitude, and small moments of celebration shape the culture of a classroom. I share personal reflections connected to my birthday, appreciation for simple pleasures like fresh fruit, and the grounding p...

Episode Summary In this episode, I focus on what it truly means to build a strong collaborative team at the grade level. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I share how trust, clarity, and purpose are not optional extras, but the foundation of effective teamwork in schools. I reflect on personal moments of gratitude, including celebrating my daughter’s birthday, timely gas stations, and encourag...

Episode Summary In this episode, I reflect on what it really means to address a mistake I’ve made within a collaborative team. I explore why the hardest part of a mistake is often not the error itself, but the vulnerability required to acknowledge it openly and honestly. I share a real example from my own work with assessment development, where I realized I had built materials from the wrong prior...

Episode Summary In this episode, I reflect on what it means to find focus during the fall frenzy, a time of year when schools are full of excitement, exhaustion, and constant distractions. I explore how educators can remain steady and intentional even when everything seems to compete for attention. I share moments of gratitude that ground me, including parents who show up for conferences, people w...

Episode Summary In this episode, I reflect on what it means to lead with perspective and how gaining emotional altitude helps teachers respond with clarity instead of reaction. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I explore how stepping back allows us to see patterns, not just problems, in our classrooms and schools. I share moments of gratitude that ground my thinking, including quiet time to re...

Episode Summary In this episode, I reflect on how gratitude acts as the unseen force that helps teachers and students rise. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I connect this idea to the image of wings staying aloft—not through effort alone, but through the warm air of appreciation that surrounds us. I share personal moments from my life, including meaningful time with my family, celebrating my...

Episode Summary In this episode, I reflect on the idea that teaching was never meant to be a solo flight. Using the metaphor of eagles soaring together, I explore how educators rise higher when we support one another instead of competing. I share personal moments from my own life, including the gratitude I felt welcoming my wife home from her trip, the symbolism of my everyday backpack, and the pe...

Episode Summary In this episode, I share the metaphor of the eagle and the crow as a powerful reminder of how educators can respond to negativity without being pulled into it. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I reflect on how rising above distractions, gossip, and criticism allows teachers to stay focused on their mission rather than wasting energy fighting battles that drain purpose. I begin...

Episode Summary In this episode, I focus on the idea that every child needs one caring adult who truly sees them. I share how presence, belief, and consistency matter more than perfection, and why being emotionally available can change the direction of a young person’s life. This conversation is grounded in the belief that connection is at the heart of meaningful teaching. I reflect on my own life...

Episode Summary In this episode, I reflect on why quiet moments matter in the constant noise of teaching and life. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I talk about how teaching is a nonstop profession filled with bells, conversations, expectations, and movement that rarely slow down. These constant demands can overload our nervous systems, making it harder to respond thoughtfully instead of reac...

Episode Summary In this episode, I reflect on how finding joy in small things can refill a teacher’s heart when teaching and life feel busy or overwhelming. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I share how joy often shows up in ordinary moments we tend to overlook. I talk about gratitude for my dogs, flavored water, and rainy days, and how these simple comforts help me slow down, stay present, an...

Episode Summary In this episode, I reflect on why progress in teaching takes time and why patience and consistency matter more than quick results. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I explore how staying steady through challenges helps both educators and students grow. I begin by sharing gratitude for prayer with my children, meaningful family moments rooted in faith, comfortable seasonal weath...

Episode Summary In this episode, I explore the power of pausing and why rest and reflection make teachers stronger, more patient, and more effective. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I share how slowing down is not laziness, but an act of leadership that protects both educators and students from burnout. I begin by sharing gratitude for rest, time spent helping my dad with home projects, and...

Episode Summary In this episode, I talk about what it truly means to create a classroom where students feel safe to take risks. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I share why risk-taking is essential for learning and how teachers can intentionally shape environments where students feel supported, not judged. I begin by sharing gratitude for healthcare providers, musical instruments, and a teach...

Episode Summary In this episode, I focus on why showing up matters and how supporting students beyond the classroom strengthens relationships and learning. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I share how presence outside of school walls communicates care in ways words never can. I begin by sharing gratitude for a reliable vehicle, warm clothes on a chilly football night, and the calmness of home...

Episode Summary In this episode, I explore the Bad Apple Effect and how one negative voice can impact an entire team. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I share why this concept matters so much in schools and how attitude, both positive and negative, spreads faster than we sometimes realize. I begin by sharing gratitude for a caring team of teachers, the opportunity to work with an amazing grou...