Don’t Give Up On Kids: Raising Expectations In Every Classroom
Be A Funky Teacher Podcast · Mr Funky Teacher Nicholas Kleve
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Show Notes
Episode Summary
In this episode, I focus on not giving up on kids and raising expectations in every classroom. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I explain why low expectations harm students and why every child deserves someone who refuses to write them off.
I share gratitude for a few extra minutes of sleep, strong support systems, and my health, then reflect on how communities and schools can become places where students feel forgotten. I share how that idea has stayed with me and why it makes believing in kids even more urgent.
I tell a story from an IEP meeting where a parent shared something her child said about learning how to change the world, and I reflect on how moments like that keep me going. I also share how my wife thanked me for not giving up on my students, especially on tough days.
I close by emphasizing practical ways to keep expectations high with a soft heart, including celebrating progress, using scaffolds instead of shortcuts, and speaking life into students through consistent messages of belief, belonging, and determination.
Show Notes
• Shared gratitude for extra sleep, support systems, and personal health.
• Explained how low expectations show up in schools and communities.
• Reflected on the idea of “forgotten schools” and why belief in kids matters.
• Shared why every child deserves someone who refuses to write them off.
• Described how high expectations communicate student capability and value.
• Told a story from an IEP meeting about learning to change the world.
• Shared a personal moment where his wife thanked him for not giving up on students.
• Provided practical strategies like celebrating progress, scaffolding, and speaking life into students.
Key Takeaways
• Low expectations can communicate that students are not valued or capable.
• Every student deserves an adult who refuses to give up on them.
• High expectations work best when paired with a soft heart and steady belief.
• Scaffolds build growth, while shortcuts lower long-term success.
• Speaking life into students creates hope, belonging, and persistence.