Be A Funky Teacher Podcast

Episode SummaryIn 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 by grounding the episode in gratitude, sharing appreciation for warmer fall days, simple tools like a broom, and small comforts like snacks that fuel long teaching days. These moments remind me that leadership often shows up quietly and that small actions can create safer, better environments for others.Using the story of the eagle and the crow, I connect this metaphor directly to school life. I talk about how negativity can show up through gossip, social comparison, or self-doubt, and why teachers do not owe anyone a reaction. Leadership, I explain, is about controlling altitude, choosing peace over pettiness, and staying focused on purpose.I close by encouraging educators to protect their mental altitude by practicing gratitude, surrounding themselves with positive colleagues, and refocusing on students when adult noise grows loud. Every challenge can become a current that helps us rise higher if we choose purpose over distraction and calm over conflict.Show Notes• Gratitude helps ground teachers before the noise of the day begins.• The eagle and crow metaphor illustrates how rising above negativity preserves energy.• Fighting distractions drains focus, while purpose multiplies impact.• Negativity in schools can show up as gossip, comparison, or self-doubt.• Teachers can rise above by choosing calm professionalism over reaction.• Focusing on students helps reconnect educators to their why.Key Takeaways• Not every distraction deserves your energy.• Rising above negativity protects your purpose.• Gratitude helps maintain mental altitude.• Calm leadership builds trust and stability.• Teachers are most effective when focused on students, not noise.

Episode SummaryIn 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 and gratitude, including the changing seasons, watching my children grow through hard work, and having meaningful moments to look forward to with family. These experiences remind me that growth takes time, patience, and encouragement, both as a parent and as an educator.Through the lens of Josh Shipp’s message that every child is one caring adult away from a success story, I connect this idea directly to classroom life. I talk about seeing students beyond behavior, responding with curiosity instead of judgment, and understanding that for some students, school may be the only place where they feel safe, seen, and believed in.I close by reminding educators that we do not have to fix every problem to make a difference. Showing up, listening, and believing in students may be the most powerful work we do. You might be the one caring adult a child remembers for the rest of their life.Show Notes• Every child needs one caring adult who truly sees and believes in them.• Presence matters more than perfection in teaching and relationships.• Josh Shipp’s belief highlights the power of one adult in a child’s life.• Student behavior often reflects unmet needs rather than defiance.• Responding with curiosity builds trust and emotional safety.• Students remember how educators make them feel long after the lesson.Key Takeaways• One caring adult can change a child’s life.• Being present is more powerful than being perfect.• Seeing students beyond behavior builds trust and growth.• Compassion and accountability can exist together.• Belief and consistency leave a lasting impact on students.

Episode SummaryIn 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 reacting in the moment.I share personal moments of gratitude that remind me how powerful stillness can be. From supporting my wife as she takes time to reconnect with her sister, to calm and peaceful mornings before the rush begins, to a few quiet minutes of watching television at night, these small pockets of rest help me reset. They remind me that rest does not always need to be productive to be meaningful.I connect these quiet moments directly to teaching and classroom life. When we give ourselves permission to pause, we show up more centered, patient, and present for our students. Teaching is emotionally draining even when we love it, and stillness helps refill the energy we give away throughout the day.I close by encouraging educators to protect their peace in a profession that often rewards constant motion. When we cultivate calm personally, it spills into our classrooms and helps students feel safe, focused, and supported. Quiet moments are not a luxury; they are a foundation that sustains our purpose and strengthens our impact.Show Notes• Teaching is a nonstop profession filled with noise, movement, and constant demands.• Quiet moments help restore balance and regulate our nervous systems.• Calm mornings and simple routines can set the tone for an entire day.• Rest does not always need to be productive to be valuable.• Presence and stillness help refill the emotional energy teaching requires.• Personal calm spills into the classroom and shapes student learning experiences.Key Takeaways• Quiet moments help teachers respond thoughtfully instead of reacting.• Stillness restores energy and supports emotional balance.• Rest can be simple, intentional, and meaningful.• Calm teachers create calmer classrooms.• Protecting your peace helps sustain your purpose as an educator.

Episode SummaryIn 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, and reset my mindset during full teaching days.I connect these ideas to the classroom, explaining how teacher energy shapes student experience. Calm joy, playfulness, and gratitude help create a classroom culture where learning feels balanced rather than rushed.I close by reminding educators that joy does not require perfection. When we notice and celebrate small moments, we model presence, calm, and resilience for students, and often rediscover joy that was already there.Show Notes• Gratitude for small comforts like dogs, flavored water, and rainy days.• Reflection on how noticing simple moments can shift teacher mindset.• Connection between teacher energy and classroom climate.• The role of calm joy and playfulness in daily teaching.• Reminder that tone and presence matter more than perfect lessons.Key Takeaways• Joy is often found in small, everyday moments rather than big wins.• Gratitude helps reframe stress without ignoring challenges.• Students pick up on teacher energy, including calm and balance.• Classroom culture is shaped by what teachers choose to notice.• Celebrating small moments helps sustain joy over time.

Episode SummaryIn 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 weather, and the completion of road construction that reminds me how progress often feels inconvenient before it becomes beneficial.I connect these moments to teaching, explaining how student growth is rarely instant and often happens quietly beneath the surface. I reflect on students who struggled for long periods before skills finally clicked through consistency, care, and repeated exposure.I close by emphasizing patience as a leadership skill and the importance of trusting the process. When teachers remain calm, steady, and committed, their work lays the foundation for long-term success, even when progress feels slow.Show Notes• Gratitude for prayer with children and the grounding role of faith and family.• Gratitude for comfortable seasonal weather and the reminder that every season has purpose.• Gratitude for road construction crews and the safety and progress their work provides.• Discussion of why progress in teaching is rarely instant.• Comparison between student growth and long-term road construction projects.• Explanation of patience as an essential leadership skill for educators.• Importance of trusting the process when results are not immediately visible.• Reflection on staying steady during slow or challenging seasons of growth.Key Takeaways• Progress in teaching often happens quietly and over time.• Patience is an active leadership skill, not passive waiting.• Consistency and care lead to long-term student growth.• Trusting the process is essential when results feel slow.• Staying steady creates smoother outcomes for the future.

Episode SummaryIn 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 the importance of safety measures. These moments remind me that care, preparation, and slowing down all play a role in sustaining ourselves.I discuss how rest restores energy and allows teachers to notice students’ needs, rediscover patience, and regain perspective. I explain how reflection turns exhaustion into insight and helps educators recognize what fuels or drains them.I close by emphasizing the importance of protecting intentional pauses in a fast-paced school environment. When teachers model rest and reflection, they teach students that resilience includes knowing when to slow down and recharge.Show Notes• Gratitude for moments of rest that provide clarity, patience, and renewed energy.• Gratitude for time spent helping family and how physical work can create mental calm.• Gratitude for safety measures that protect people at school, home, and in the community.• Explanation of why rest is leadership, not laziness, in the teaching profession.• Discussion of how rest helps prevent burnout before it begins.• Reflection as a tool for self-awareness and recognizing what fuels or drains energy.• Importance of protecting intentional pauses in busy school environments.• Modeling rest and reflection as a way to teach students resilience and balance.Key Takeaways• Rest restores energy and supports sustainable teaching.• Reflection helps teachers turn exhaustion into insight.• Pausing allows educators to notice students’ needs and their own limits.• Protecting rest prevents burnout and supports long-term effectiveness.• Teaching students to pause models resilience and self-care.

Episode SummaryIn 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 teaching space that allows my creativity and personality to shine. These reminders ground me in service, expression, and the importance of environment.I explain why real learning happens when students stretch beyond their comfort zone and how modeling vulnerability as a teacher sets the tone for healthy risk-taking. I share how trust, structure, and thoughtful grouping help students feel emotionally safe.I close by emphasizing the importance of celebrating effort over perfection. When classrooms honor bravery, perseverance, and trying, students develop confidence and resilience that carry far beyond the lesson.Show Notes• Gratitude for healthcare providers and their commitment to serving others with skill and compassion.• Gratitude for musical instruments and the role music plays in creativity and self-expression.• Gratitude for a classroom space that allows teaching talents and personality to shine.• Explanation of why risk-taking is essential for authentic learning and confidence building.• Discussion of modeling vulnerability and normalizing mistakes in the classroom.• Strategies for structuring safe risk-taking through intentional grouping and clear norms.• Emphasis on protecting classroom culture from mocking, dismissive, or dominating behavior.• Importance of celebrating effort, perseverance, and bravery over accuracy alone.Key Takeaways• Students need emotional safety in order to take academic and social risks.• Modeling vulnerability as a teacher encourages healthy risk-taking.• Structure and trust work together to create safe learning environments.• Celebrating effort builds resilience and confidence in students.• Encouragement turns risk-taking into a classroom norm instead of an exception.

Episode SummaryIn 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 after a busy week. These simple moments made it possible for me to show up fully for students and reflect on the importance of being present.I explain how attending student events like games, concerts, and performances builds trust and long-term connection. When students see their teacher show up, even briefly, it sends a powerful message that they matter beyond academics.I close by reminding educators that balance matters. Teachers cannot be everywhere, and that’s okay. When we show up intentionally and authentically, even once, it strengthens classroom culture and reinforces belonging long after the event ends.Show Notes• Gratitude for having a reliable vehicle that makes attending student events possible.• Gratitude for warm clothing that allowed enjoyment of a chilly football game.• Gratitude for calmness at home that helps recharge after busy days.• Explanation of how showing up outside the classroom builds trust and connection.• Reflection on attending a football game and the impact of teacher presence.• Discussion of balancing personal life with professional commitments.• Insight into how presence models care, balance, and belonging for students.• Reminder that small follow-up moments reinforce long-term relationships.Key Takeaways• Showing up outside the classroom communicates care more powerfully than words.• Even one moment of presence can leave a lasting impact on students.• Balance matters, and teachers do not need to be everywhere to make a difference.• Authentic presence builds trust and strengthens classroom culture.• Supporting students beyond school walls enhances learning inside the classroom.

Episode SummaryIn 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 group of fifth graders, and the ability to problem-solve through challenges. These pieces remind me how much environment and mindset influence our daily experience as educators.I unpack research from a University of Washington study that showed how a single negative team member dramatically reduced group performance, trust, and cooperation. I connect this research to schools, staff rooms, and classrooms, explaining how negativity can quietly pull morale down while positivity can lift it back up.I close by encouraging educators to be the bright apple in their spaces. When teachers choose solutions over complaints and model optimism with intention, they shape school culture, classroom climate, and student mindset in powerful ways.Show Notes• Gratitude for working with a caring, committed team of teachers.• Gratitude for the joy, curiosity, and humor fifth graders bring to the classroom.• Gratitude for the ability to problem-solve and work through challenges.• Explanation of the Bad Apple Effect research and its findings.• Discussion of how one negative voice can reduce team performance and morale.• Connection between staff attitudes and classroom climate.• Strategies for countering negativity with positivity, gratitude, and solutions.• Classroom examples of redirecting student negativity and restoring momentum.Key Takeaways• One negative voice can significantly impact team and classroom culture.• Positivity and problem-solving are just as contagious as negativity.• Teachers can protect their mental space by stepping away from toxic conversations.• Celebrating small wins helps reset team tone and morale.• Being a bright apple allows educators to shape culture with intention.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, I focus on grace over guilt and why letting go and leading with compassion matters so deeply in teaching. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I talk honestly about how guilt can creep into our work and how choosing grace helps us remain grounded and human.I share gratitude for a quiet hug from my wife, praying with my son before bed, and finally resolving a lesson planning and pacing guide issue that had been weighing on me. Each of these moments reminded me that support, faith, and perseverance show up in both small and significant ways.I explore how teacher guilt often comes from caring deeply, replaying moments we wish we handled differently, or feeling the weight of unfinished tasks. I explain why grace is not about ignoring mistakes, but about learning, restoring, and releasing them instead of carrying them forward.I close by encouraging teachers to extend the same compassion to themselves that they freely give to students. Grace over guilt allows us to reset, grow, and begin again each day.Show Notes• Gratitude for a meaningful hug and the reminder that presence can be more powerful than words.• Gratitude for praying with a child before bed and reconnecting through faith and routine.• Gratitude for resolving a lesson planning and pacing guide issue after persistent effort.• Discussion of how teacher guilt builds from small moments and unmet expectations.• Reflection on choosing grace intentionally instead of staying stuck in self-criticism.• Practical strategies for pausing, naming what is true, and offering self-compassion.• Importance of modeling grace, humility, and forgiveness for students and staff.• Reminder that grace allows teachers to release mistakes and move forward.Key Takeaways• Teacher guilt is common, but carrying it too long steals joy.• Grace allows mistakes to become learning instead of burdens.• Self-compassion strengthens leadership and classroom culture.• Modeling grace teaches students that growth includes imperfection.• Grace over guilt creates space for fresh starts.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, I talk about homecoming week and why teachers joining in the fun and showing school spirit truly matters. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I share how participation helps build connection, belonging, and positive school culture that supports learning all year long.I share gratitude for the changing colors of autumn, watching my two oldest children prepare for their homecoming dance, and seeing my oldest son wrap up his fall baseball season. These moments remind me how important it is to slow down, be present, and appreciate meaningful experiences as they happen.I connect these experiences to teaching by explaining how homecoming participation allows teachers to step into students’ world instead of observing from the outside. Dressing up, cheering, and celebrating alongside students models joy, strengthens relationships, and shows kids that school can be a place of shared excitement and pride.I close by encouraging educators to see homecoming week as more than a disruption to learning. When teachers participate, they help create the culture they want to see. Connection fuels learning, and small acts of participation can leave a lasting impact on students.Show Notes• Gratitude for the changing colors of autumn and the reminder to slow down and notice beauty.• Gratitude for watching children prepare for their homecoming dance and celebrating proud parent moments.• Gratitude for watching a son finish his fall baseball season and being present in meaningful moments.• Explanation of how teacher participation during homecoming builds student connection.• Discussion of how joining spirit days models joy and belonging for students.• Reflection on how small acts of participation strengthen positive school culture.• Personal story about participating in a homecoming parade with fifth graders.• Reminder that connection fuels learning and lasts beyond homecoming week.Key Takeaways• Teacher participation during homecoming builds stronger connections with students.• Modeling joy and belonging helps students feel seen and valued.• Small acts of school spirit can have a big impact on school culture.• Being present during celebrations strengthens trust and relationships.• When teachers join in, connection fuels learning throughout the year.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, I focus on mental self-care for teachers and why clarity, focus, and protecting your mindset matter in a profession filled with constant decision-making. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I talk about how mental clutter builds and how caring for our mindset helps teaching feel more sustainable.I share gratitude for watching my son play football, for comforting my other son after a tough night, and for a calm, beautiful evening that brought balance after a busy day. These moments remind me to slow down, be present, and focus on what truly matters.I explain practical ways to clear mental clutter, including brain dumps, to-do lists, journaling, and prioritization. I also discuss protecting mindset by avoiding gossip, negativity, and unproductive comparisons, while learning how and when to reframe situations with care.I close by encouraging teachers to give their brains rest and recovery through micro breaks, limiting multitasking, and protecting sleep. When I care for my mind, my teaching becomes sharper, calmer, and more sustainable.Show Notes• Gratitude for watching a son play football and slowing down to enjoy meaningful moments.• Gratitude for comforting a child and remembering that parenting is about presence.• Gratitude for calm, beautiful evenings that bring balance after busy days.• Strategies for clearing mental clutter through brain dumps, journaling, and to-do lists.• Importance of organizing the mind just as intentionally as physical spaces.• Protecting mindset by limiting gossip, negativity, and draining conversations.• Reflection on reframing situations while knowing when someone simply needs to be heard.• Mental rest strategies including micro breaks, reduced multitasking, and protecting sleep.Key Takeaways• Mental self-care helps teachers maintain clarity and focus in demanding environments.• Clearing mental clutter reduces stress and improves follow-through.• Protecting mindset means guarding against negativity and gossip.• Reframing can support growth when paired with listening and empathy.• When my mind is cared for, my teaching becomes more sustainable.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, I focus on practical self care for teachers and how simplifying routines and protecting your time can make everyday teaching feel lighter. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I reflect on how small systems and intentional choices can reduce stress and decision fatigue in a demanding profession.I share personal gratitude for watching my daughter enjoy her Powderpuff football game, for the calm that comes from organizing the garage, and for productive meetings that truly move work forward. These moments remind me that presence, order, and efficiency all contribute to well-being.I connect these ideas to classroom life by exploring how routines, streamlined grading, and organized spaces help teachers function better day to day. I also explain how protecting time, setting boundaries, and being intentional about what we say yes or no to is an essential part of self care.I close by encouraging educators to view practical self care as creating margin. When we simplify, organize, and protect our time, we preserve energy for students, families, and the work that matters most.Show Notes• Reflection on practical self care through everyday systems and routines.• Gratitude for watching a daughter enjoy a Powderpuff football game.• Appreciation for the calm that comes from cleaning and organizing a space.• Importance of productive meetings that respect teachers’ time.• Strategies for simplifying routines to reduce decision fatigue.• Discussion of organizing classroom spaces to free up focus.• Encouragement to protect time through boundaries and intentional choices.Key Takeaways• Simplifying routines helps reduce decision fatigue and daily stress.• Organized spaces can lead to clearer thinking and calmer classrooms.• Streamlined systems save time and preserve energy for teaching.• Protecting time is an essential form of practical self care.• Creating margin allows teachers to focus on what matters most.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, I focus on spiritual self care for teachers and how purpose, reflection, and grounding practices can help us stay steady. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I share how spiritual self care connects us to something bigger than ourselves and gives us a foundation when the day-to-day feels heavy.I share personal gratitude for time together with my family, conversation with my dad, and people who stand up for what is right. Those moments keep me grounded, connected, and reminded of what matters most.I explain how my Christian faith anchors me when teaching feels overwhelming and how it helped carry me through the death of my mom, even when my faith felt shaken and messy. I talk about practices like prayer, reflection, gratitude, and quiet spaces that help reset the spirit.I close with a reminder that spiritual self care looks different for everyone, but nurturing the spirit gives teachers staying power. When I care for my spirit, I anchor my teaching in something bigger than the classroom, and that helps me keep showing up with purpose.Show Notes• Introduction to spiritual self care for teachers through purpose, reflection, and grounding practices.• Gratitude for family time and the power of presence in everyday moments.• Gratitude for conversations with a dad that keep life grounded and connected.• Gratitude for people who stand up for what is right and how that inspires courage.• Reflection on Christian faith as an anchor when teaching and life feel overwhelming.• Personal reflection on faith through grief after the death of a mom.• Grounding practices including prayer, meditation, reflection, journaling, gratitude, and quiet spaces.• Encouragement to live with purpose by aligning actions with values like kindness, justice, and respect.Key Takeaways• Spiritual self care connects teachers to something bigger than the classroom.• Prayer, reflection, gratitude, and quiet moments can help center the mind and spirit.• Purpose and values help teaching feel less defeating when challenges are intense.• Spiritual self care supports staying power so teachers do not become bitter or burned out.• When I care for my spirit, I anchor my teaching in something bigger than the classroom.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, I focus on social self care for teachers and why connection, community, and healthy boundaries matter so much in a people-centered profession. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I reflect on how teaching requires constant interaction and why not all relationships replenish us in the same way.I share personal gratitude for playful practical jokes, crisp early cold mornings, and the ability to stay calm during confrontation. These moments and practices remind me of the importance of humor, presence, and emotional steadiness in both personal and professional spaces.I connect these ideas to classroom life by exploring how laughter, shared joy, and supportive relationships can shift the energy in classrooms and schools. I also discuss how boundaries protect our time and energy, especially when faced with draining interactions, negativity, or constant demands.I close by encouraging educators to be intentional about the people and spaces they invest in. Strong relationships, shared joy, and healthy limits give teachers the staying power they need to continue doing meaningful work with students while also caring for themselves.Show Notes• Reflection on social self care as an essential part of teacher well-being.• Gratitude for humor and playful practical jokes as a way to build connection.• Appreciation for early cold mornings that bring clarity and presence.• Importance of staying calm during confrontation and difficult conversations.• Encouragement to invest in relationships that uplift and protect against burnout.• Personal story about a supportive colleague and the power of encouragement.• Exploration of laughter as a tool for reducing stress and building community.• Discussion of boundaries that protect time, energy, and family life.Key Takeaways• Social self care means leaning into relationships that replenish rather than drain.• Laughter and shared joy can shift the emotional climate of classrooms and schools.• Healthy boundaries protect teachers from burnout and emotional exhaustion.• Staying calm during confrontation supports clearer communication and well-being.• Strong relationships and wise limits give teachers staying power in the profession.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, I focus on emotional self care for teachers and why resilience and stress relief are essential for sustaining ourselves in the classroom. Teaching is deeply emotional work, and I talk honestly about the joy, frustration, grief, compassion, and stress that educators carry every single day. I emphasize the importance of acknowledging emotions instead of suppressing them so we can create space for healing and growth.I share personal reflections that ground this conversation, including spending meaningful time with my youngest son at a card show, witnessing the generosity of strangers, and experiencing moments of quiet calm in church that helped me reset after a noisy and demanding week. These experiences reminded me how connection, kindness, and stillness can restore emotional balance and strengthen resilience.I connect emotional self care directly to teaching by discussing healthy outlets such as journaling, gratitude practices, therapy, faith, mindfulness, creative expression, and breathing techniques. I speak openly about my own journey with grief therapy after losing my mom and how professional support, reflection, and continued counseling have helped me navigate loss, transition, and the emotional weight of teaching with greater clarity and strength.I close by encouraging educators to see emotional self care as a lifeline, not a luxury. Emotional resilience is not about avoiding stress but about processing emotions, reframing challenges, and moving forward with intention. When teachers take care of their emotional well-being, they are better able to show up present, grounded, and impactful for their students and their families.Show Notes• Teaching carries a heavy emotional load that must be acknowledged to prevent burnout.• Naming emotions helps educators process stress and create space for healing.• Journaling and gratitude practices provide healthy emotional outlets.• Therapy and counseling can strengthen resilience and support long-term well-being.• Faith, mindfulness, and breathing techniques help ground emotions during stressful moments.• Creative outlets offer meaningful ways to release emotional tension.• Reflection and rest build emotional resilience and support sustainable teaching.Key Takeaways• Emotional self care is essential for sustaining teachers in the classroom.• Acknowledging emotions is healthier than suppressing them.• Healthy outlets like journaling, therapy, and creativity build resilience.• Reflection and reframing challenges support emotional well-being.• Being present matters more than being perfect.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, I focus on physical self care for teacher energy, rest, and resetting the body, and why taking care of our physical health is foundational to sustaining ourselves in this profession. I share how sleep, movement, nutrition, and small daily resets directly impact how we show up for students and how we feel throughout the school day as educators.I reflect on personal experiences that have shaped my understanding of physical self care, including prioritizing sleep, setting boundaries around late-night work, and recognizing how movement like biking, hiking, yoga, and stand-up paddleboarding has transformed my energy, strength, and overall health. I also share my journey of losing weight, building core strength, and learning how fueling my body differently has helped me feel stronger and more capable as a teacher.I connect these ideas directly to classroom life, acknowledging how physically demanding teaching really is and how intentional movement, hydration, protein, and micro-recoveries during the day can prevent burnout before it starts. I talk honestly about the importance of realistic routines, small changes, and listening to our bodies rather than pushing ourselves to exhaustion.I close by encouraging educators to view physical self care not as optional or selfish, but as essential to longevity and impact. When we take care of our bodies, we are better able to bring energy, patience, joy, and presence into the classroom and continue doing this important work for years to come.Show Notes• Sleep is a powerful foundation for teacher energy and preventing burnout.• Creating consistent sleep routines helps teachers feel sharper, calmer, and more patient.• Movement builds energy and supports physical health in a demanding profession.• Activities like walking, biking, yoga, hiking, and paddling can reset the body and mind.• Fueling the body with protein, hydration, and balanced snacks improves stamina and focus.• Micro-recoveries such as deep breathing, fresh air, and water breaks protect energy during the day.• Physical self care supports long-term sustainability and effectiveness in teaching.Key Takeaways• Physical self care is foundational for showing up well as a teacher.• Sleep, movement, and nutrition directly impact patience, focus, and resilience.• Small daily habits can prevent burnout before it starts.• Taking care of the body allows educators to sustain their work for the long haul.• Healthy teachers are better able to bring joy, presence, and energy to students.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, I focus on teacher self care strategies to recharge and avoid burnout, because self care looks different for every teacher and there isn’t one right way to do it. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I want teachers to feel permission to find what truly fills their battery, whether that’s quiet time, adventure, or small daily resets that prevent burnout before it starts.I share three things I’m thankful for: laughing with friends, spotting a ladybug during a paddling trip, and a good burger after being out in nature. Those little moments reminded me that joy, nature, and connection matter, and they can reset your spirit when life feels heavy or busy.I explain that self care is sustainable, not selfishness, and that taking care of yourself brings more energy, patience, and creativity to students. I share how paddling on Split Rock Creek with a Sioux Falls paddling club was exactly the reset I needed, and I also talk about the power of smaller moments like listening to a favorite song, taking a quick walk, or saying no to extra commitments when your plate is full.I close by breaking self care into multiple categories—physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and practical—and encouraging teachers to explore what works best for them. Students don’t just need a teacher who works hard; they need a teacher who is well enough to bring joy and presence into the classroom.Show Notes• I share three things I’m thankful for: laughing with friends, ladybugs, and a good burger after paddling.• I explain that self care looks different for every teacher and there isn’t one “right way” to recharge.• I share how paddling on Split Rock Creek with a Sioux Falls paddling club helped me reset and recharge.• I emphasize that small moments of self care matter, like a hallway walk, a favorite song after dismissal, or saying no to extra commitments.• I explain that self care is sustainability, not selfishness, and that it helps teachers bring more energy, patience, and creativity to students.• I break down physical self care examples like walking, biking, stretching, and getting enough sleep.• I share emotional and mental self care strategies like journaling, gratitude, laughing with friends, therapy, and learning something new outside of teaching.• I talk about spiritual and practical self care, including faith, nature, planning ahead, packing healthy snacks, and knowing when to say no.Key Takeaways• Self care is personal, and your version of rest might look different than someone else’s.• Small daily resets can prevent burnout before it starts.• Self care is sustainable, not selfish, and it helps you show up with more heart for students.• Explore multiple types of self care—physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and practical—to find what truly recharges you.• Students need a teacher who is well enough to bring joy, presence, and steady energy into the classroom.

Episode SummaryI share what it means to lead as a teacher leader without losing your personality, joy, and authenticity. In this episode, I break down teacher leader do's and don'ts across how you carry yourself, how you work with others, how you make decisions, how you sustain yourself, and how you keep your funk. I want teachers to feel confident leading with impact while staying grounded and real.Before we get into the main ideas, I share three things I'm thankful for: headlamps, toothbrushes, and connecting with old friends. Those simple things remind me that everyday tools and relationships matter, and they help keep me steady and energized for the work.In the classroom and on a team, I believe leadership shows up in consistency, humility, and the way we treat people. I talk about leading by example, avoiding ego-driven leadership, building trust through empathy, and being careful not to play favorites. I also explain why strong teacher leaders listen more than they talk, advocate for students while keeping implementation realistic for teachers, and stay focused on the students in every decision.I close by reminding educators that leadership isn't about perfection, it's about direction. If we keep perspective, pace ourselves, practice self-care, and bring humor and creativity into the work, we can lead with authenticity and influence. Keep showing up with warmth, professionalism, and heart.Show Notes• I share three things I'm thankful for: headlamps, toothbrushes, and connecting with old friends.• I explain why teacher leadership starts with how you carry yourself, including showing up on time, being prepared, and bringing a positive attitude.• I warn against ego leadership and emphasize that humility and consistency build respect.• I talk about building relationships by sharing credit, lifting others up, and celebrating teammates.• I explain why teacher leaders should avoid playing favorites and instead bring people together as a united team.• I encourage teacher leaders to listen more than they talk and gather voices before moving forward.• I share that decisions should always come back to students while also staying realistic and sustainable for teachers to implement.• I explain how keeping perspective, practicing self-care, and bringing humor and creativity helps teacher leaders sustain their impact.Key Takeaways• Lead by example with consistency, preparation, and a positive presence.• Avoid ego-driven leadership and stay grounded in humility and fairness.• Build trust by lifting others up, sharing credit, and refusing to divide the team.• Listen more than you talk and keep decisions centered on what students need.• Sustain your influence by pacing yourself, practicing self-care, and keeping your personality and warmth.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, I, Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, focus on redefining teacher leadership and why it is so much more than being in charge. I share that real leadership is not about titles or control, but about how teachers show up, take ownership, and influence the culture around them.I begin by sharing three things I’m thankful for: spending meaningful time helping my dad with yard work, my son being okay after a hard hit in football, and my wife getting valuable family time with her dad and sister during a season of transition. These moments ground me and remind me how deeply leadership is connected to care and responsibility.I then unpack what teacher leadership really looks like in practice. Leadership starts with ownership—owning your choices, your classroom, and your impact. It is deeply relational, rooted in connection rather than control, and grounded in service that steps in to meet needs without waiting for permission.I also emphasize that teacher leadership requires a growth mindset, courage to speak up when something isn’t right, and a commitment to learning alongside others. True leaders cast vision, inspire hope, and refocus teams on students when morale is low.I close by sharing that teacher leadership is about collaboration, not competition. It’s about the “we,” not the “me.” Every teacher, regardless of role or title, has the power to lead in ways that strengthen school culture and multiply impact.Show Notes• I share three things I’m thankful for that reflect responsibility, family, and connection.• I explain that teacher leadership starts with ownership, not titles.• I describe leadership as relational and rooted in connection rather than control.• I explain how service is a key part of teacher leadership and does not require permission.• I highlight the importance of a growth mindset and learning alongside others.• I discuss how courage is required to speak up for students and fairness.• I explain how teacher leaders provide vision and inspiration by reminding others of the “why.”• I emphasize that leadership builds collaboration, not competition, and focuses on the “we.”Key Takeaways• Teacher leadership is about ownership, not position or title.• Strong leadership flows through relationships, service, and trust.• Growth-minded leaders stay curious, humble, and willing to learn.• Courage is essential when advocating for students and fairness.• Collaboration multiplies impact, while competition limits it.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, I, Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, focus on what it means to be the storm—finding strength when teaching gets tough. I talk about how storms in teaching are normal, and how strong teachers aren’t the ones who prevent storms, but the ones who stay steady through them.I start by sharing three things I’m thankful for: administrator support, copy machines that work, and having the chance to get caught up on copies for the year. Those small wins matter, especially when pressure is high and you’re trying to keep things running smoothly.Then I dig into the reality that storms can be external, like policies, testing, or changes in leadership, and storms can be internal, like stress, doubt, or exhaustion. I share that I can be my own worst critic, and I have to remind myself that storms don’t mean I’m failing—they mean I’m teaching.I introduce the “I am the storm” mindset as an identity stance: I’m not tossed around by chaos, I’m the calm force inside it. I explain how this mindset helps teachers hold boundaries without being harsh, show up with consistency, and model resilience for students in a way no lesson ever could.I close by offering practical ways to live this out: regulate yourself, use anchor phrases, lean on community, take perspective, build micro recoveries, visualize strength, celebrate resilience, and teach it forward. The storms will always come, but students will remember how you stood strong when life and learning got messy.Show Notes• I share three things I’m thankful for: administrator support, copy machines that work, and getting caught up on copies.• I explain that teaching has storms, including behavior issues, unexpected changes, and personal stress that can bleed into the classroom.• I challenge the myth that strong teachers prevent storms and emphasize that strong teachers stay steady in storms.• I describe how storms can be external, like policies, testing, or administration changes, and internal, like doubt, exhaustion, and stress.• I introduce the “I am the storm” mindset as a way to stay steady and resilient instead of being tossed around by chaos.• I explain that being the storm is not about destruction, but about strong, positive, steady energy and stability.• I share practical strategies like self-regulation, anchor phrases, community support, perspective taking, micro recoveries, and visualization.• I encourage celebrating resilience, naming it, owning it, and teaching students how to handle challenges through our modeling.Key Takeaways• Storms in teaching are normal, and they don’t mean you are failing.• Strong teachers don’t prevent storms, they stay steady through them.• “I am the storm” is an identity mindset that helps you stay calm, consistent, and resilient.• Self-regulation, community support, and perspective help you weather both internal and external storms.• Students won’t remember perfect lessons, but they will remember how you stood strong when things got messy.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, I, Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, focus on advocating for kids when adults belittle, humiliate, or make fun of students. I talk about why this matters so deeply, because students may not remember every lesson, but they do remember how adults made them feel.I start by sharing three things I’m thankful for: an extra hour of sleep that helped me reset, my brother going home from the hospital yesterday, and encouraging words from my wife that keep me grounded and remind me I’m not doing life and teaching alone.Then I explain how harsh comments, public humiliation, and being mocked can echo in a child’s mind for years—especially when it comes from a trusted adult. Even when students are misbehaving or disruptive, correction is part of teaching, but demeaning a child is not.I walk through what advocacy can look like in real life. If I see it happen, I can redirect professionally in the moment to protect the student’s dignity, then follow up privately with the adult and report it when necessary. If students report it to me afterward, I listen, validate, and create a safe space to talk—not in front of the whole class—and then decide next steps based on seriousness or repetition. I close by emphasizing that advocacy is about protecting dignity, holding adults accountable, and creating a culture where students know they are safe and respected.Show Notes• I explain that students may not remember everything we teach, but they remember how adults make them feel.• I share why harsh comments, public humiliation, and mocking can echo in a student’s mind for years.• I clarify that correction is part of teaching, but demeaning a child is not.• I describe how to advocate in the moment by redirecting professionally without escalating and protecting student dignity.• I explain why the follow-up with the adult should happen privately and stay professional.• I share how to respond when students report it afterward by listening, validating, and thanking them for trusting me.• I explain why students should not have to hash it out in front of the whole class and why a private time matters.• I emphasize building a culture of respect by correcting behavior, not identity, and balancing correction with affirmation.Key Takeaways• Advocacy means speaking up when kids are being torn down.• Even the toughest kids still deserve respect and dignity.• Discipline and accountability belong in teaching, but humiliation does not.• Protect student dignity in the moment, then handle adult follow-up privately and professionally.• When students report harm, listen, validate, and take next steps so they know you won’t shrug it off.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, I, Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, talk about how to regain control of your classroom without losing relationships. I share what it feels like when the class energy shifts, things get loud, and you realize you’ve lost the room, and I walk through how to bring students back without damaging trust.I begin by sharing three things I’m thankful for: my cozy football blanket my wife made, going to bed early after a tough week with my brother in the hospital, and the power of brainstorming sessions with colleagues and some parents. Those moments of comfort, rest, and collaboration remind me that support systems matter when life feels heavy.From there, I explain why yelling and escalating doesn’t build respect, and how calm presence can be more powerful than volume. I share practical resets like moving closer to behavior, using silence, and lowering your tone, including a moment when standing silently at the board brought my class back faster than barking at them ever would.I also unpack how routines and “master resets” help students feel safe and structured, and how to hold firm boundaries while protecting dignity. I end by emphasizing that control isn’t about power plays—it’s leadership with care, where students trust you enough to let you reset them.Show Notes• I explain why yelling and screaming can erode respect and escalate student behavior.• I share practical reset moves like proximity, silence, and lowering my tone instead of raising it.• I tell a story about standing silently at the board and letting the class reset itself.• I break down why routines become the ladder back to order when the classroom starts slipping.• I share examples of call-and-response, echo claps, countdowns, movement resets, and quick games as “master resets.”• I explain why these resets work because students feel safer when they know what the reset looks and sounds like.• I emphasize holding firm boundaries while still treating students with dignity and protecting relationships.• I share how private redirection and quick follow-up encouragement can restore trust after corrections.Key Takeaways• Control comes from calm presence, not volume.• Routines and resets create safety and structure when the room feels chaotic.• Correct behavior without attacking student identity or humiliating students publicly.• Redirect privately when possible to avoid power struggles and protect dignity.• Firm boundaries paired with respect build trust, and trust makes resets work.

Episode SummaryAs Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I walk through how to structure a group behavior meeting with parents and staff in a way that lowers tension and builds teamwork. I share why these meetings can feel intimidating, but also how they can become a powerful turning point when handled with care and clarity.I begin with gratitude for my brother’s progress in the hospital, for my own problem-solving skills when situations get messy, and for supportive colleagues who step in and walk alongside me during tough moments at school.I explain how the tone of a meeting matters right away, and why starting with a child’s strengths and naming that everyone is on the same team can shift the emotional temperature in the room. I share the importance of creating a space where parents feel respected instead of attacked, especially because I’m a parent too and I understand how defensive those meetings can feel.I close by emphasizing that a strong meeting is not about blame, but about structure, partnership, and a shared action plan that keeps everyone responsible and hopeful so students can feel supported and grow.Show Notes• I share why behavior meetings can make teachers nervous and why I still get nervous sometimes too.• I explain how starting with a child’s strengths can immediately lower tension in the room.• I emphasize saying out loud that everyone is on the same team so it doesn’t become “us versus them.”• I describe a simple meeting flow using data, perspectives, triggers, supports, and a clear action plan.• I caution against turning concerns into a laundry list that airs out every wrong thing a child has done.• I explain how identifying triggers and patterns can reveal what is really driving the behavior.• I stress focusing on partnership, respecting parent expertise, and teaming up for the child.• I encourage ending strong with positives, clear next steps, and follow-up communication so families leave hopeful.Key Takeaways• Set the tone early by naming strengths and lowering tension right away.• Use a simple structure so meetings don’t spiral into blaming or going in circles.• Bring data and specific observations, but avoid overwhelming families with a laundry list.• Focus on partnership and respect parent expertise to build trust and teamwork.• End the meeting with hope, clear next steps, and positive statements about the child.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, I share why what truly inspires students goes far beyond lesson plans and pacing guides, as Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve. I reflect on how presence, consistency, and authenticity matter more than polished perfection.I open by sharing gratitude for meaningful time with my sons at a Nebraska Cornhusker football game, hope as my brother continues to recover in the hospital, and encouragement from former students and families whose words remind me why this work matters.I explore how presence over perfection, contagious energy, and modeling humanity shape classroom culture. I talk honestly about clunky lessons, new resources, and showing up steady even when things are imperfect.I close by encouraging educators to keep showing up with heart, energy, and humanity, because students may forget worksheets, but they never forget how a teacher made them feel.Show Notes• I share gratitude for time with my sons at a Nebraska Cornhusker football game and the memories created together.• I reflect on my brother’s recovery in the hospital and the importance of family presence during hard moments.• I talk about how encouraging words from former students and families affirm the lasting impact of relationships.• I explain why presence matters more than perfection in teaching and learning.• I describe how teacher energy shapes classroom culture and student engagement.• I share how passion, movement, voice, and humor help students lean into learning.• I emphasize modeling humanity by sharing struggles, mistakes, and growth with students.Key Takeaways• Students are inspired more by teacher presence than perfect lesson plans.• Classroom energy is contagious and sets the tone for learning.• Showing up steady on tough days builds trust and connection.• Modeling humanity helps students learn resilience and authenticity.• Students remember how teachers make them feel long after lessons fade.

Episode SummaryIn 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 keeping it fun and exciting for students?I start by sharing gratitude for my cousin Mike as a steady listener, for professional development days as a chance to grow and recharge, and for fun T-shirts that carry personality and joy into daily life.I explain that engagement is the bridge that helps students buy into rigorous learning, especially when lessons include real-world connections, cultural relevance, and choice-driven learning that invites student ownership.I close by encouraging educators to design classrooms where challenge feels exciting instead of defeating, where productive struggle is celebrated, and where students feel safe to try, make mistakes, and grow.Show Notes• I explain that this episode responds to a question submitted by an educator through a conference presentation app.• I share gratitude for my cousin Mike, professional development days, and fun T-shirts that reflect joy and personality.• I emphasize that engagement is the bridge that helps students buy into rigor.• I describe how real-world connections make learning feel relevant and reduce student checkout.• I explain the importance of cultural relevance and connecting learning to students’ lives and experiences.• I share why choice-driven learning and inquiry-based learning increase buy-in and energy while keeping rigor high.• I suggest using games, projects, and real-world tasks like scavenger hunts, Jeopardy reviews, debates, mock trials, and design challenges.• I stress celebrating productive struggle by normalizing that hard equals growth and rewarding perseverance over perfection.Key Takeaways• Engagement transforms rigor into curiosity when students understand why learning matters.• Real-world connections, cultural relevance, and student choice make rigorous work feel meaningful and exciting.• Games, projects, and simulation-style tasks can deliver deep thinking with fun.• Productive struggle builds growth when students feel safe to try, fail, and learn from mistakes.• Fun and rigor are partners when classrooms are designed so challenge feels motivating, not defeating.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, I reflect as Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve on a question that was asked after my presentation at the National Teacher Leadership Conference about how we keep learning fun and why joy still belongs in the classroom.I share personal gratitude from my life right now, including grief therapy, meaningful time mountain biking with my youngest son, and the gift of watching my children grow up, all of which shape how I show up as an educator.I explain that fun in education is not fluff. Fun is connection, engagement, and emotional safety. Joy shows up in simple, low-prep ways like music, playful voices, small games, and authentic energy that helps students feel seen and valued.I close by encouraging educators to protect their joy and bring it into classrooms on purpose, because our energy sets the tone and joyful classrooms are where students feel ready to learn and grow.Show Notes• I explain how this episode was inspired by a question asked after my conference presentation about keeping learning fun.• I share why I am thankful for grief therapy and how it helps me continue moving forward with heart after losing my mom.• I reflect on meaningful time spent mountain biking with my youngest son and the joy of shared experiences.• I talk about gratitude for my children and being present as they grow up.• I redefine fun in education as connection, engagement, and emotional safety rather than fluff.• I share simple, low-prep ways to bring joy into the classroom, including music, playful voices, and small games.• I reflect on how student engagement mirrors teacher energy and why joy is a professional tool.• I emphasize that fun is essential because joyful classrooms help students feel valued and ready to learn.Key Takeaways• Fun in the classroom is about connection, engagement, and emotional safety.• Joy can be built through simple, low-prep moments that strengthen relationships.• Students mirror teacher energy, so joy and authenticity matter.• A joyful classroom helps students feel valued and ready to learn.• Protecting joy is part of sustaining yourself as an educator.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, I reflect as Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve on the truth that kids are always watching us, and that our students learn as much from how we live as from what we teach.I share a few personal moments that grounded me, including a calm, beautiful evening watching my youngest son play football, the importance of micro breaks, and gratitude that my voice is finally coming back after feeling sick.I connect this to classroom life by emphasizing that students watch how we react when things go wrong, how we treat struggling learners, and how we interact with other staff. I share why being the calm in the chaos matters, and how our steady presence helps students learn self-regulation, emotional management, and resilience.I close by encouraging educators to model joy, curiosity, and grit through real stories, reflection, and the way we respond when lessons flop, technology fails, or life gets messy. Kids are watching how to do life, and our example can become the kind of leadership they carry with them.Show Notes• I share gratitude for calm, beautiful evenings, including watching my youngest son play football in the perfect weather.• I reflect on the value of micro breaks and how three to five minutes can help teachers reset and return stronger.• I talk about being thankful that my voice is coming back after a week of struggling to speak.• I emphasize that kids don’t just listen to instructions, they watch how we respond, react, and treat others.• I explain why being the calm in the chaos matters and how it models self-regulation, emotional control, and safety through presence.• I encourage teachers to model joy, curiosity, and grit, not just teach growth mindset.• I share examples from outdoor adventures and how I use challenges, setbacks, and small wins to model resilience for students.• I reflect on technology problems and lesson pivots as real-time teachable moments for modeling calm and perseverance.Key Takeaways• Students learn from how we act, not just from what we say.• Being the calm in the chaos models self-regulation, resilience, and emotional safety.• Modeling joy, curiosity, and grit helps students learn how to handle challenges and setbacks.• Reflecting with students after a tough moment can become a powerful learning experience.• Classrooms are full of teachable moments that come from real life, not perfect lesson plans.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, I reflect on the power of starting over as Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, sharing what it has meant to begin again in a new school district while holding onto the same heart for teaching and students.I share personal moments of gratitude, including appreciation for my dad’s independence, my wife’s homemade Rice Krispie bars, and the quiet beauty of flowers in the fall. These moments ground me as I navigate change and remind me of what matters most.I connect these reflections to teaching, discussing the challenges of learning new systems, platforms, and curriculum, even after more than twenty years in the classroom. I revisit the importance of staying teachable and remembering what it feels like to be a learner, drawing on lessons passed down to me during student teaching.I close by encouraging educators to embrace starting over as an opportunity for growth, reminding teachers that while systems and districts may change, bringing heart, honesty, and connection into the classroom is what truly makes the difference.Show Notes• I share gratitude for my dad’s independence and his daily commitment to visiting my brother.• I reflect on small joys, including my wife’s homemade Rice Krispie bars and noticing flowers in the fall.• I discuss how starting over in a new district can feel disorienting but also lead to growth.• I describe the challenge of learning new systems, platforms, and curriculum as a veteran teacher.• I reflect on the importance of staying teachable and remembering what it feels like to be a learner.• I share how honesty and vulnerability help build trust with students.• I emphasize bringing the same heart and passion into teaching, no matter the setting.Key Takeaways• Starting over can be challenging but creates opportunities for growth.• Even experienced teachers benefit from staying teachable and asking questions.• Learning new systems builds empathy and connection with students.• Honesty and vulnerability help strengthen trust in the classroom.• A teacher’s heart matters more than systems or routines.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, I explore the idea that teachers don’t need to be perfect to make a meaningful impact, only present, sharing this reflection as Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve. I talk about how showing up consistently for students emotionally, mentally, and physically builds trust far more than flawless lessons ever could.I share personal moments from my own life, including gratitude for friends who help with technical projects, the strength of my church community, and the relief of starting to feel better after being sick. These experiences ground the reminder that support systems and grace matter just as much as preparation.I connect this message directly to classroom life, reflecting on teaching with new curricular resources, navigating lessons that feel clunky, and modeling vulnerability by learning alongside students. I explain how presence, not perfection, allows students to feel safe, seen, and supported.I end by encouraging educators to let go of unrealistic expectations, resist comparison, and walk into their classrooms knowing they are enough. Showing up with heart and authenticity is where real learning and connection begin.Show Notes• I reflect on gratitude for friends who provide help and technical support at home.• I share appreciation for my church community as an important support system.• I acknowledge recovering from illness and giving myself grace while not feeling one hundred percent.• I explain how presence builds trust with students more than perfect lessons.• I discuss how comparison and perfectionism can steal joy from teaching.• I share my experience learning new curricular resources as a veteran teacher.• I emphasize modeling vulnerability and learning alongside students.Key Takeaways• Presence matters more than perfection in the classroom.• Students remember how teachers make them feel, not flawless lessons.• Comparison and perfectionism can lead to burnout and self-doubt.• Showing up authentically builds trust and connection with students.• Teachers are enough even when lessons feel imperfect.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, I talk honestly about teaching on tough days and what it looks like to show up when you’re not feeling a hundred percent, sharing this reflection as Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve. I acknowledge that teachers are human too and that low-energy days don’t make us weak, they make us real.I share personal context from the transcript about feeling under the weather, struggling with fatigue, voice strain, and the challenge of not even knowing the sick-day process in a new school district. I reflect on long days, after-school responsibilities, and how physical exhaustion and illness can pile up unexpectedly.I connect these experiences to classroom practice by focusing on essentials, routines, relationships, and safety when energy is low. I explain why small wins matter on tough days and how consistency and presence still make a difference for students.I close by encouraging educators to give themselves grace, remember that not every day has to be spectacular, and trust that showing up with heart, even at less than full capacity, still matters deeply for students.Show Notes• I acknowledge feeling under the weather and the reality that teachers don’t always have full energy.• I share the challenge of navigating illness and not knowing sick-day procedures in a new district.• I reflect on exhaustion from late nights, supervision duties, and physical labor outside of school.• I explain the importance of focusing on essentials like routines, relationships, and safety on tough days.• I emphasize celebrating small wins when energy is low.• I discuss giving myself grace and not striving for perfection when not feeling well.• I reflect on modeling resilience and balance for students.Key Takeaways• Teachers are human and won’t feel their best every day.• Low-energy days don’t mean failure, they reflect honesty and realism.• Focusing on essentials helps maintain calm and consistency in the classroom.• Small wins matter on tough days.• Showing up with heart still makes a meaningful impact on students.

Episode SummaryIn 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 as Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve. I explain that soft skills carry students into adulthood and deserve intentional teaching alongside academics.I start by sharing three things I’m thankful for: French bread pizza as comfort food, staying safe while chainsawing at my dad’s, and my wife and youngest pitching in to help haul branches. Those moments connect to teamwork, safety, and real life skills that matter outside of school.I explain what soft skills are and list ten that I believe are critical right now: adaptability, emotional intelligence, creativity and innovation, collaboration, conflict resolution, communication, time and energy management, leadership, critical thinking, and resilience. I also share practical ways teachers can build these skills through modeling, group projects, role play, goal setting routines, and celebrating effort and creative risk taking.I close by encouraging educators to treat soft skills as foundational, not optional. If we want students to succeed in school, work, and life, we have to teach, practice, and celebrate these skills just as intentionally as academics.Show Notes• I share gratitude for French bread pizza as comfort food that connects to childhood and still feels like a win today.• I reflect on staying safe while cutting and trimming trees at my dad’s house and being thankful nothing has gone wrong.• I share appreciation for my wife and youngest pitching in to haul branches and how teamwork saves hours of work.• I explain why soft skills matter and how employers are emphasizing them as much as technical skills.• I list ten key soft skills, including adaptability, emotional intelligence, collaboration, and resilience.• I share classroom strategies like modeling soft skills daily and using group projects that focus on teamwork, not just products.• I encourage role playing, goal setting routines, and celebrating effort, creativity, and academic risk taking.• I explain why soft skills connect to bigger goals and why they matter long after academic content is forgotten.Key Takeaways• Soft skills carry students into adulthood and need to be taught alongside academic learning.• Employers value soft skills like collaboration, communication, and resilience as much as technical skills.• Teachers can build soft skills through daily modeling, group work, role play, and goal setting routines.• Celebrating effort, creativity, and risk taking supports confidence and student growth.• Soft skills are the foundation of success and should be practiced and celebrated intentionally in classrooms.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, I focus on managing risk in teaching and how balancing challenge and safety helps students grow, and I share why this idea matters so much to me as Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve. I talk about how teaching, much like learning a new skill, carries risk, and how that risk must be intentional rather than reckless.I reflect on personal experiences working with a chainsaw at my dad’s place, needing help from a friend, taking safety precautions, and feeling relief when risky situations went smoothly. Those moments helped shape how I think about preparation, support, and rest when stepping into unfamiliar or challenging situations.I connect those experiences to classroom life by explaining how students need challenge paired with safety nets. Whether it’s large projects, performances, or academic learning, scaffolding, micro goals, and clear expectations help students succeed without removing productive struggle.I end with encouragement for educators to embrace thoughtful risk-taking in their classrooms. When we prepare, support, reflect, and celebrate with students, risk becomes a powerful tool for growth, courage, and resilience.Show Notes• I share gratitude for friends who help when learning new and risky skills.• I reflect on how preparation and safety precautions made a risky situation go smoothly.• I compare managing risk in teaching to learning how to safely use a chainsaw.• I explain why risk in teaching should be intentional, not reckless.• I discuss balancing student challenge with a safe classroom environment.• I describe using scaffolding and micro goals to support big student projects.• I emphasize preparation, support, reflection, and celebration as key risk strategies.• I explain how risk-taking helps students grow confidence and resilience.Key Takeaways• Teaching involves risk, but growth happens when that risk is intentional and prepared for.• Students need challenge paired with safety nets to succeed.• Scaffolding and micro goals help students tackle big learning experiences.• Reflection allows teachers to adapt when lessons or projects don’t go as planned.• Safe classrooms teach students how to navigate risk rather than avoid it.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, I focus on teacher boundaries and how to care without burning out, and I share why this matters so much to me as Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve. I talk about how teachers are wired to give, but without boundaries, exhaustion takes over, and students can feel it.I reflect on my own life and how a three-day stretch included a do-nothing day off, catching up on paperwork, and celebrating family birthdays. I also share honestly how, at the start of a new school district, I was working early mornings and late nights, and I know that pace is not sustainable for me or fair to my family.I connect this to classroom life because boundaries are not about caring less, they are about caring sustainably. I explain what boundaries look like in practice, including limiting grading and prep time, choosing when to respond to messages, not taking student behavior personally, and learning to say no to extra roles that pull us away from the main mission.As I wrap it up, I want to encourage educators to protect their energy so they can keep showing up with love and consistency. A rested teacher brings more patience, more joy, and more presence, and our students deserve the best version of us.Show Notes• I share three things I’m thankful for: a do-nothing day off, catching up on paperwork, and celebrating family birthdays.• I explain why boundaries matter because teachers are wired to give, but exhaustion takes over when we never refill our own tank.• I emphasize that boundaries are not about caring less, they are about caring sustainably.• I describe what boundaries look like, including limits on grading and prep time and choosing when to respond to parent communication.• I talk about practical strategies like an office-hour mindset and finish-line rituals to leave school at school.• I explain healthy detachment as caring for students without carrying every burden home all night.• I reflect on working long hours at the start of a new district and why that pace is not sustainable or fair to my family.• I share how boundaries help kids because rested teachers have more patience, energy, and joy, and kids learn from our example.Key Takeaways• Boundaries help me care sustainably so I can keep showing up for students long term.• An office-hour mindset protects family time and reduces the pressure to be always available.• Finish-line rituals help me leave school at school and reset mentally each day.• Healthy detachment lets me care deeply without carrying student burdens every minute at home.• Rested teachers bring more patience, energy, and joy, and students feel that difference.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, I focus on the human side of teaching and why building classroom community by putting relationships before rigor matters more than anything else. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I reflect on how trust, connection, and belonging form the foundation for real learning to take place.I share personal stories from my life, including experiences with grief, struggle, and growth, and explain how being open and human with students helps deepen relationships and empathy in the classroom. These moments remind students that teachers are people too, and that challenges do not define their future.I explain what classroom community looks like in action, from greeting students by name to creating inclusive routines, shared expectations, and safe spaces where mistakes are treated as learning opportunities rather than failures.I close by encouraging educators to remember that relationships are not an extra task added to teaching, but the soil where everything else grows. When we connect with students first, rigor becomes meaningful, sustainable, and impactful.Show Notes• Relationships must come before rigor for learning to truly stick.• A strong classroom community acts as proactive classroom management• Students learn best when they feel safe, trusted, and valued.• Sharing appropriate personal stories helps humanize teachers and build empathy.• Inclusive routines and expectations help students feel a sense of belonging.• Morning check-ins and daily greetings strengthen connections with students.• Community building reduces behavior issues and supports resilience.Key Takeaways• Students will not learn deeply from teachers they do not trust.• Building relationships creates the foundation needed for academic rigor.• Classroom community must be intentionally built, not assumed.• Personal connection and empathy strengthen student engagement.• Relationships are the soil where learning, growth, and resilience grow.

Episode SummaryIn 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.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, I focus on building classroom community and why putting relationships before rigor is essential for meaningful learning. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I share why students learn best when they feel trusted, valued, and connected in the classroom.I begin by sharing gratitude for my microphone, new experiences, and my children’s creativity, all of which remind me how growth, imagination, and vulnerability shape who we are as educators and humans.I explore what classroom community looks like in practice, including shared expectations, inclusive routines, student voice, storytelling, and relationship-building strategies such as morning check-ins, class agreements, and student roles. I also reflect on how personal storytelling, when done appropriately, can build empathy, resilience, and trust with students.I close by reinforcing that community is not an add-on to teaching. It is the foundation. When relationships come first, rigor has something solid to stand on, allowing students to grow academically, emotionally, and socially.Show Notes• Shared gratitude for a microphone, new experiences, and children’s creativity.• Explained why relationships must come before rigor in the classroom.• Discussed how trust impacts student engagement and learning.• Described what strong classroom community looks like in practice.• Emphasized inclusive routines, shared expectations, and student voice.• Reflected on the power of appropriate personal storytelling with students.• Shared strategies such as morning check-ins, class agreements, and student jobs.• Explained how community reduces misbehavior and builds resilience.Key Takeaways• Students learn best when relationships are built first.• Classroom community is the foundation for meaningful rigor.• Inclusive routines and shared expectations strengthen belonging.• Personal storytelling can build empathy and trust when used appropriately.• Strong community supports resilience, accountability, and growth.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, I focus on classroom systems and procedures and how structure builds success. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I share why clear systems are essential for creating a learning environment where students and teachers can focus on learning instead of managing chaos.I begin by sharing gratitude for staying hydrated, working alongside supportive colleagues in a new school district, and enjoying crisp, chilly mornings that help set a positive tone for the day. These simple moments help ground me during a busy school year.I then break down the key systems every classroom needs, including entering and leaving the classroom, bathroom procedures, turning in assignments, and managing movement and transitions. I emphasize the importance of modeling, practicing, celebrating success, and reflecting on systems as students and classroom needs evolve.I close by reminding educators that systems and procedures are the backbone of a successful learning environment. When we teach them, practice them, and live them, we free ourselves and our students to focus on what matters most: learning and growth.Show Notes• Shared gratitude for water, supportive colleagues, and crisp, chilly mornings.• Explained why classroom systems and procedures prevent chaos.• Discussed how structure creates freedom to focus on teaching and learning.• Identified key classroom systems such as entry, dismissal, and bathroom routines.• Explained procedures for turning in work and managing transitions.• Emphasized modeling, practice, and consistency when teaching systems.• Highlighted celebrating success when procedures run smoothly.• Encouraged reflection and thoughtful adjustments to systems over time.Key Takeaways• Classroom systems and procedures are the backbone of a successful learning environment.• Clear structure reduces anxiety and increases student focus.• Modeling and repeated practice are essential for effective systems.• Strong procedures build student independence and responsibility.• Reflecting on systems helps sustain success all year long.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, I focus on celebrating small wins as a powerful way to build a positive classroom culture. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I reflect on how teaching can feel like an endless to-do list and how small celebrations shift our mindset from what’s missing to what’s working.I share personal reflections from home, including celebrating my kids’ birthdays, spending family time together, and getting some well-needed rest. Those moments remind me how important it is to pause, recharge, and appreciate growth and joy while life is moving fast.I connect that same idea to the classroom by explaining what small wins can look like, like a student raising their hand for the first time, a tough transition finally going smoothly, a quiet student sharing unexpectedly, or a class following a routine without reminders. I also share practical ways to celebrate those moments, including specific praise, class shout-outs, positive communication home, and weekly rituals like Friday wins.I end by encouraging educators to remember that celebrating small wins doesn’t take long, but it makes a huge difference. It builds confidence in students, strengthens connections, and helps teachers avoid burnout by keeping our eyes on the good work happening every day.Show Notes• Reflected on gratitude for celebrating children’s birthdays, spending family time, and getting needed rest.• Explained how teaching can feel like an endless to-do list and why small wins matter.• Shared how celebrations shift focus from what’s missing to what’s working.• Gave examples of small wins like improved transitions, student participation, and routines.• Emphasized using specific verbal praise instead of generic “good job.”• Suggested quick class shout-outs to recognize what is going well.• Encouraged positive phone calls, messages, or emails home to families.• Introduced Friday wins as a weekly reflection routine to celebrate progress.Key Takeaways• Celebrating small wins builds momentum and strengthens classroom culture.• Specific praise helps students understand what they did well and why it matters.• Small celebrations support teacher wellness by highlighting progress and preventing burnout.• Positive communication home builds partnerships and reinforces student growth.• Regular reflection routines like Friday wins can increase joy and connection in class.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, I focus on teacher tips for parent phone calls and how to handle ongoing misbehavior constructively. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I reflect on why these conversations matter and how, when done thoughtfully, they can strengthen trust between teachers and families.I begin by sharing gratitude for my kind children, helpful supplemental resources, and working air conditioning. These reminders ground me in perspective and reinforce why kindness, preparation, and comfort matter so much in the daily work of teaching.I then walk through why parent phone calls are important and how they should be framed as partnerships rather than moments of blame. I share a clear, step-by-step structure for making these calls, including starting with something positive, stating concerns using facts, explaining the impact on learning, inviting parent perspectives, and ending with reassurance and hope.I close by encouraging educators to remember that these calls, while nerve-wracking, show families that we care. When paired with honesty, calm professionalism, and a focus on student growth, parent phone calls can strengthen relationships and help students succeed.Show Notes• Shared gratitude for kind children, helpful resources, and working air conditioning.• Explained why parent phone calls matter and how they build trust when done well.• Emphasized viewing parent communication as a partnership, not blame.• Outlined a step-by-step structure for effective parent phone calls.• Highlighted the importance of staying factual, calm, and professional.• Discussed do’s and don’ts, including documentation and avoiding overload.• Encouraged honest communication paired with hope for student growth.• Reinforced keeping the child’s success at the center of every conversation.Key Takeaways• Parent phone calls can build trust when approached with care and clarity.• Starting and ending conversations on a positive note matters.• Facts and specific examples keep conversations productive.• Partnership with families supports student growth and success.• Honest communication paired with hope strengthens relationships.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, I focus on the power of teacher collaboration and how strong teams are built through purposeful collaborative meetings. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I reflect on why teaching can feel isolating and why collaboration is essential for both educators and students.I share personal moments of gratitude, including hugs from my wife, kind words from my paraprofessional, and support from fellow teachers who showed up for my son’s open house. These moments remind me how much encouragement, partnership, and community matter in both our personal and professional lives.I connect these reflections to classroom and school practice by sharing what effective collaboration looks like, from having a clear purpose and agenda to ensuring everyone has a voice and leaving meetings with clear action steps. I reflect on an early win from our first collaborative meeting and how language, mindset, and shared ownership of students shape strong teams.I end with encouragement for educators to embrace collaboration as more than just another meeting. When done with intention and focus, collaborative meetings build community, align our work, and remind us that we are stronger together in service of our students.Show Notes• Shared gratitude for encouragement from family, paraprofessional support, and fellow teachers.• Reflected on how teaching can feel isolating without collaboration.• Explained why collaboration benefits both educators and students.• Shared an early success from a first collaborative team meeting.• Highlighted the importance of shared language and collective ownership of students.• Discussed key elements of effective collaboration, including purpose and agendas.• Emphasized respecting time and ensuring every voice is heard.• Reinforced the need for clear action steps after each meeting.Key Takeaways• Teacher collaboration reduces isolation and strengthens instructional consistency.• Effective meetings require a clear purpose and focused agenda.• Shared ownership of students builds stronger teams.• Collaboration fails when meetings lack voice, focus, or follow-through.• Intentional collaboration reminds educators they are stronger together.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, I focus on the importance of classroom routines during the first weeks of school and why consistency matters so much. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I reflect on how routines help students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn while also saving teachers time and energy.I share personal moments of gratitude, including appreciation for colleagues who step in to help, discovering tools that save time and reduce stress, and finding calm moments with my wife and kids during a busy season. These experiences ground me and remind me why routines matter both at home and in the classroom.I connect these ideas directly to classroom practice by breaking down key routines every teacher should establish early, such as entering the classroom, transitions, turning in work, attention signals, and morning and end-of-day procedures. I explain how routines prevent chaos, reduce repeated directions, and allow teachers to be more creative and present.I end with encouragement for educators to invest time in routines now, even when tired. When routines are practiced, reinforced, and celebrated, they create a learning environment where students feel safe, focused, and free to grow all year long.Show Notes• Shared gratitude for supportive colleagues, time-saving discoveries, and calm family moments.• Explained why routines are critical during the first weeks of school.• Emphasized how structure and consistency create safety and predictability.• Identified key routines for entry, transitions, turning in work, and attention signals.• Discussed morning start and end-of-day procedures.• Encouraged modeling, practicing, and reteaching routines consistently.• Highlighted the importance of follow-through even when teachers feel tired.• Reinforced celebrating students when routines are done well.Key Takeaways• Strong routines early in the year save time and energy later.• Students thrive in classrooms with structure and consistency.• Modeling and practicing routines is just as important as teaching content.• Consistency builds trust and accountability with students.• Investing in routines creates a calm, focused learning environment.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, I focus on classroom management tips for handling disrespectful behavior and students who talk out. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I walk through the reality that every teacher faces challenging behaviors and why how we respond matters more than the behavior itself.I share personal reflections, including gratitude for staying hydrated, my wife’s listening ear, and having full grocery shelves. These reminders ground me in perspective and empathy, especially when thinking about students who face food insecurity or stress outside of school.I connect these ideas to classroom practice by unpacking why students act out, from attention-seeking and boundary testing to stress, trauma, and immaturity. I explain practical, realistic strategies teachers can use to stay calm, address behaviors without attacking students, set clear expectations, and avoid power struggles.I close with encouragement for educators to remember they are not alone. Tough behaviors take time to address, progress is often slow, and small wins matter. By staying consistent, celebrating growth, and keeping relationships at the center, teachers can navigate even the most challenging classroom moments.Show Notes• Shared gratitude for water, a supportive spouse, and having access to groceries.• Acknowledged the reality that all teachers deal with disrespectful and talking-out behaviors.• Explained common reasons students act out, including attention-seeking and boundary testing.• Discussed how stress, trauma, and outside factors impact student behavior.• Emphasized staying calm and not matching student volume or disrespect.• Highlighted the importance of addressing behavior instead of labeling students.• Reinforced the need for clear, consistent expectations and practiced routines.• Encouraged private conversations, documentation, and celebrating small wins.Key Takeaways• Every teacher faces challenging behaviors, and you are not alone.• Staying calm prevents power struggles and keeps control in the classroom.• Addressing behavior instead of the child builds trust and respect.• Clear routines and consistency reduce disruptions over time.• Celebrating small wins helps prevent burnout and keeps perspective.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, I talk about why celebrating small wins matters so much in building a positive classroom culture. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I reflect on how teaching can feel like an endless to-do list and how shifting our focus to what’s working can change everything for both students and teachers.I share personal reflections from home, including celebrating my kids’ birthdays, spending meaningful family time, and getting much-needed rest. These moments remind me how powerful it is to pause and celebrate growth, joy, and connection, both at home and in the classroom.I connect these ideas directly to teaching by explaining what small wins look like in a classroom, from students raising their hand for the first time to routines finally running smoothly. I also share practical, realistic ways teachers can recognize and celebrate these moments with students and families.I end by encouraging educators to remember that celebrating small wins doesn’t take much time, but it makes a huge difference. It helps prevent burnout, builds confidence, strengthens relationships, and keeps us grounded in the meaningful work happening every day with our students.Show Notes• Reflected on gratitude for celebrating children’s birthdays, family time, and getting needed rest.• Introduced the idea of celebrating small wins as a foundation for positive classroom culture.• Explained how small wins shift focus from what’s missing to what’s working.• Shared examples of small wins such as improved transitions, student participation, and routines.• Discussed the importance of giving specific verbal praise instead of generic feedback.• Highlighted classroom strategies like shout-outs, positive communication home, and weekly reflections.• Introduced the idea of Friday Wins as a way to celebrate progress with students.• Connected celebrating small wins to preventing burnout and strengthening teacher-student relationships.Key Takeaways• Celebrating small wins builds momentum and supports positive classroom culture.• Specific praise helps students understand what they are doing well.• Recognizing progress helps teachers stay grounded and avoid burnout.• Small celebrations strengthen relationships and classroom connections.• Pausing to celebrate growth brings joy and meaning into daily teaching.

Episode SummaryI share how even after 20-plus years in education, the start of a new school year can still feel overwhelming, and I reflect on the difference between being productively busy and truly overwhelmed. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I open up about why these early weeks bring intensity and why that feeling is so common among educators.I talk through personal moments from my own teaching journey, including the physical and mental exhaustion that can build up if we don’t pause and reset. I even share a story from earlier in my career when I was so tired after school that I fell asleep in my classroom, reminding us just how real this stress can be.I connect these experiences directly to classroom life by breaking down what actually causes overwhelm at back to school, from classroom setup and lesson planning to new curriculum, technology, meetings, and meeting student needs from day one. I also share simple, practical strategies that help teachers reset, prioritize, and stay grounded when everything feels like too much.I end with encouragement for educators to remember that overwhelm is not failure but evidence of care. The start of the school year will always be busy, but when we focus on relationships first, breathe, and support one another, that busyness can become momentum instead of burnout.Show Notes• Introduced the topic of back-to-school teacher overwhelm and staying positive.• Shared gratitude for fresh school supplies, kind words from family, and having jackets for cold classrooms.• Explained the difference between productive busyness and feeling overwhelmed.• Identified common causes of teacher overwhelm at the start of the school year.• Emphasized simple pause-and-reset strategies like breathing and slowing down.• Encouraged writing tasks down to prevent mental overload.• Discussed prioritizing what matters most for students each week.• Reinforced the importance of asking for help and focusing on relationships first.Key Takeaways• Teacher overwhelm at the start of the year is normal, even for veteran educators.• Simple strategies like breathing, writing things down, and pausing can reset stress.• Prioritizing student impact helps prevent overwhelm from turning into burnout.• Breaking large tasks into smaller wins creates momentum and clarity.• Overwhelm is not failure; it is a sign that you care deeply about your students.

Episode SummaryOn the first day of school, I talk about the excitement, nerves, and anticipation that both teachers and students feel. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I share why the first day is less about perfect lessons and more about human connection. My goal is always to make students feel seen, safe, and welcomed the moment they walk through the door.I reflect on the gratitude I felt that morning—hugging my son, getting extra sleep, and waking up in a warm bed. These simple moments grounded me as I prepared to meet a new group of students for the first time.I explore how the first day sets the foundation for trust, belonging, and classroom identity. From learning names, to crafting low-pressure activities, to watching my body language, I think through the intentional choices teachers can make to help students feel comfortable and ready to learn.I close with encouragement for educators stepping into a new year. When we lead with warmth and connection, we set the stage for a classroom where students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.Show Notes• I share how excited and nervous I feel on the first day of school.• I talk about the hugs, extra sleep, and warm bed that grounded me before the day began.• I reflect on how first impressions matter more than a perfect lesson plan.• I explain my goal of helping each student feel seen, safe, and welcomed.• I discuss greeting students by name and honoring their preferred name or nickname.• I describe the importance of low-pressure, collaborative first-day activities.• I share how I monitor my own body language and the vibe I give off.• I explain why the first day is about connection, not cramming procedures.Key Takeaways• Building relationships on day one matters more than perfect lessons.• Students feel safe when teachers use their names and honor their identity.• Warmth, positive body language, and curiosity help reduce student anxiety.• Low-pressure, student-centered activities strengthen early classroom community.• Reflection at the end of the day helps teachers adjust and respond to student needs.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, I, Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, reflect on what I am learning about historical trauma and the Winnebago Tribe through the stories and wisdom of elder Sarah Snake. I begin with three things I am thankful for—thrift shops, books, and problem solving—and connect them to my larger journey of noticing, learning, and figuring things out alongside my students and their community.I share what I learned as a new teacher in the Winnebago school district when Sarah spoke to us about her life, the tribe’s history, and the harm caused by forced relocation and boarding schools. I retell parts of her story about the Winnebago Trail of Tears, the loss of thousands of tribal members, being moved from woodland homelands into unfamiliar prairie land, and how abuse in boarding schools—including her grandmother’s tongue being burned for speaking Ho Chunk—created layers of historical and generational trauma that are still felt today.I also highlight powerful cultural teachings Sarah shared with us: the importance of clans and elders, the spiritual world and practices around death, the significance of hair, smudging and prayer, gifting and teasing, and the struggle to preserve the Ho Chunk language with only a few fluent speakers left in Winnebago. I am honest that I am still learning, will get things wrong, and need grace as I grow in understanding.I close by reflecting on what this means for my teaching. I talk about approaching Native students with empathy and curiosity, avoiding assumptions and stereotypes, integrating culturally relevant materials into my classroom, and viewing families as partners. I recognize that historical trauma is part of the story but not the ceiling on what students can become. When we teach with cultural respect and awareness, we not only support academic growth, we help heal, honor resilience, and strengthen the community we serve.Show Notes• I start by sharing three things I am thankful for: thrift shops where I find classroom treasures, books that open new worlds, and my ability to problem solve inside and outside the classroom.• I introduce the focus of the episode as understanding historical trauma and sharing reflections from elder Sarah Snake as a lens for how teachers can work with Winnebago students.• I describe Sarah Snake’s background as a Winnebago graduate and cultural steward and explain how she spoke about the Trail of Tears, forced relocations, and the loss of thousands of tribal members.• I reflect on her stories about boarding schools, including her grandmother’s tongue being burned for speaking Ho Chunk and the punishment for Native language, jewelry, and powwow dancing.• I share what she taught about Ho Chunk language loss and preservation, the limited number of fluent speakers in Winnebago, and the continued efforts to keep the language alive.• I highlight cultural teachings about clans, respect for elders, family stepping in to raise children, and how friendly teasing often means you are accepted and liked in the community.• I talk about the spiritual practices she described, including the importance of hair, smudging and prayer, four days of honoring a body after death, and beliefs about spirits, whistling at night, and covering mirrors.• I connect these lessons back to my own teaching by emphasizing empathy, curiosity, reducing bias, integrating Winnebago culture into my classroom, and building true partnerships with Native families.Key Takeaways• I am learning that every Winnebago child carries some part of the tribe’s historical trauma, and I must keep that reality in mind while also seeing their strength, gifts, and potential.• Listening to elders like Sarah Snake helps me better understand how forced relocation, boarding schools, language loss, and spiritual harm still affect the students and families I serve today.• Cultural practices around language, hair, family, death, prayer, gifting, and teasing are central to identity, belonging, and relationship building with Native students.• As a teacher, I need to approach Native students and families with empathy and cultural humility, avoid assumptions, and continually examine my own unconscious bias.• When I integrate Winnebago history and culture into my classroom and engage families as partners, I move closer to teaching in a way that honors both historical trauma and the powerful resilience of the community.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, I, Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, reflect on mental health tips for teachers inspired by a professional development session with Allison Edwards and her work Growing Up Strong. I share how her ideas about emotions, resilience, soft skills, and short-term discomfort for long-term comfort are shaping the way I think about students’ inner worlds and my own as an educator.I walk through my notes from her session, including the five core feelings kids need to learn to manage before age 18: worry, sadness, anger, disappointment, and loneliness. I talk about the three adult response styles—“buck up,” “bubble wrap,” and scaffolding—and how I see my own parents, my own parenting, and my teaching reflected in those models. I also share how concepts like negative thoughts creating ruts in the brain, full-tank versus half-tank energy, and bursts of neuroplasticity in the teen years are influencing the way I think about student behavior and mental health.I connect Allison’s ideas to the work I already do in my classroom around mental health, whole-child support, and soft skills. I talk about my own grief therapy after my mom died, how I use visuals like the “anger iceberg” with students, and why I believe early intervention around self-advocacy, coping strategies, and healthy thinking is essential. I reflect on the tension between rescuing kids and letting them experience the natural consequences of their choices, and why I believe occasional support is okay as long as we are not bubble-wrapping kids from every struggle.I end by focusing on the message I want every student to hear: I see you, I hear you, I accept you. I share how I plan to dig deeper into Allison Edwards’ book Growing Up Strong, keep learning, and keep adjusting my practice so I can better help students manage big feelings and do hard things. My hope is that as we grow in our understanding of emotions, mental health, and soft skills, we can better inspire greatness in young people while also taking care of ourselves in the process.Show Notes• I share three things I am thankful for, including my phone camera for capturing memories, bright colors that make my classroom pop, and silly signs that bring laughter and joy into the space.• I introduce the professional development session with Allison Edwards and her book Growing Up Strong, highlighting her focus on helping kids manage big emotions and build resilience.• I outline the five key feelings kids need to learn to manage before age 18: worry, sadness, anger, disappointment, and loneliness, and why these matter for long-term success.• I reflect on the three response styles adults use with kids—“buck up,” “bubble wrap,” and scaffolding—and why I want to be the adult who scaffolds and believes kids can do hard things.• I talk about anxiety as a negative story about the future, the dangers of avoidance, and how facing hard things can lower anxiety and increase confidence for both kids and adults.• I describe how negative thoughts create “ruts in the brain,” and how I teach students to be mindful of their inner voice instead of constantly tearing themselves down.• I share how grief therapy after my mom’s death helped me understand what sits underneath anger, and how I use visuals like the iceberg of underlying feelings to better support students.• I close with the powerful message Allison shared—“I see you. I hear you. I accept you.”—and why I want every student to feel that in my classroom as I continue learning from Growing Up Strong.Key Takeaways• Students need to learn to manage five core feelings—worry, sadness, anger, disappointment, and loneliness—before age 18 so they are not overwhelmed by them later in life.• How adults respond to kids’ struggles matters; moving away from “buck up” and “bubble wrap” toward scaffolding teaches kids that they are capable and supported.• Avoidance might temporarily reduce anxiety, but facing hard things with support lowers anxiety over time and builds confidence in both students and teachers.• Negative thoughts can create deep ruts in the brain, so helping students notice and shift their inner self-talk is a key part of supporting their mental health.• Sending students the message “I see you. I hear you. I accept you.” while teaching coping strategies and soft skills can transform both classroom culture and student resilience.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, I talk about how open house can shape the tone for the entire school year. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I share how welcoming families with presence, energy, and sincerity lays the groundwork for trust and belonging.I describe a powerful and unexpected experience at Winnebago’s back-to-school powwow, where I was invited to join a teacher honor dance and later stepped into a teacher dance-off. That moment of vulnerability and joy helped me understand how community connection begins long before the first day of school.I explain practical approaches to creating a welcoming open house—building rapport with families, using thoughtful language, creating interactive classroom spaces, and showing genuine care.I close by encouraging educators to embrace authenticity, look for small moments that build trust, and bring intentional energy to open house as the true start of relationship-building.Show Notes• I share gratitude for family time, my wife’s cooking, and crisp morning air.• I describe Winnebago’s family fun day and back-to-school powwow.• Teachers were honored with a special dance recognizing their role in the community.• I joined a teacher dance-off and share the vulnerable, joyful experience.• Dancing helped me connect deeply with the community and students.• I rolled out a red carpet for families to create a special welcome.• I explain why to avoid “Did you have a great summer?” and use more inclusive questions.• I outline open house tips: positive comments to parents, interactive activities, movement around the room, personal displays, music, handouts, and optional wish-list ideas.• I encourage teachers to be present, welcoming, and intentional in their approach.Key Takeaways• Open house sets the emotional tone for the year and deserves intentional planning.• Vulnerability—like participating in community traditions—builds authentic trust.• Inclusive language helps every student feel seen from the first interaction.• Simple creative touches can transform the open-house atmosphere.• Families respond to warmth, visibility, and genuine connection.• Being yourself is the most powerful relationship-building tool you have.

Episode SummaryOn this episode, I reflect on what it means to enter a new school after more than twenty years in my previous district. I share the emotions that come with beginning again—learning a new culture, meeting new teammates, and stepping into a space where no one yet knows my story. I talk about how these early days matter and how they set the tone for who I hope to become in this community as Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve.I discuss the personal reflections that surfaced during these first days: awkward beginnings, unexpected staff connections, and moments of genuine warmth that reminded me how relationships truly form. These early experiences are already shaping how I understand my place in this district.I explain how all of this connects to teaching: listening before leading, showing up visibly, staying curious rather than critical, and celebrating others early and often. These are the foundations of building trust and becoming part of a school community.I close with encouragement for educators starting fresh—whether new to the profession or new to a building. Trust takes time. Presence matters more than perfection. Give grace, stay open, and let the relationships unfold as you grow into your new beginning.Show Notes• I talk about entering a new school after more than twenty years in my previous district.• I reflect on awkward beginnings and why they matter.• I share unexpected staff connections that helped me feel welcomed.• I describe what I’m noticing about Winnebago’s staff culture.• I explain how listening more than talking builds trust early.• I discuss being visible, not just present, during the first days.• I highlight celebrating others early and often as part of culture-building.• I emphasize staying curious instead of critical when learning new systems.Key Takeaways• Early staff connections shape the tone for the year.• Authenticity matters more than trying to impress.• Deep listening builds trust quickly.• Visibility strengthens relationships and collaboration.• Curiosity opens doors; criticism closes them.• Presence—not perfection—creates real school culture.