Be A Funky Teacher Podcast

Episode SummaryIn this episode, I share what it feels like to prepare for open house as I get ready to welcome a brand new group of fifth graders into my classroom. I talk about the anticipation, the gratitude, and the importance of showing up with presence as I step into a new school year as Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve. That time before the first hello is powerful, and it sets the emotional tone for everything that follows.I reflect on three things I’m thankful for: the butterflies that remind me this work still matters, the pause before meeting families for the first time, and the chance to begin fresh in a new community. I talk about preparing the room, straightening desks, organizing lockers, and creating a space where students feel like the classroom was made for them. I also share how excited I am for the powwow happening right before open house and how meaningful it will be to witness and honor that cultural experience.I connect these preparations to the heart of teaching: belonging, trust, and meaningful first impressions. Open house is more than the posters and décor; it’s about the moment when a caregiver sees that their child is going to be seen, heard, and supported. It’s about grounding myself in my why so I can start the year with sincerity, warmth, and a commitment to relationship-building.As I look ahead, I encourage fellow educators to embrace presence over perfection. Greet students at the door, slow down enough to notice the small things, reflect after the day, and remember that the first hello sets the tone for everything that follows. When we lead with gratitude, authenticity, and connection, we open the door for students to feel like they truly belong.Show Notes• Three things I’m thankful for before open house• The emotional excitement of preparing for the first hello• Creating a classroom environment that feels welcoming and intentional• Meeting families and the power of first impressions• Experiencing a school powwow on the day of open house• Using gratitude to stay grounded and focused before students arrive• Approaching the year with presence over perfection• Practical reminders for greeting, listening, and reflecting during the first weekKey Takeaways• The anticipation before open house means the work still matters• A welcoming classroom is about presence, not décor alone• The first hello builds trust with families and students• Gratitude helps center teachers before the start of the year• Connection is the foundation for belonging in the classroom• Presence over perfection should guide the first week of school

Episode SummaryOn this episode, I share how gratitude, new beginnings, and community connection shaped my first official day in Winnebago Public Schools. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I talk about the small things that grounded me—my old RAV4, laughter with new staff, and even the screws that helped me build classroom tools—and how gratitude sets the tone for meaningful work ahead.I reflect on our community tour of the Winnebago reservation and how powerful it was to see where my students live, what their neighborhoods feel like, and how the culture, history, and daily realities of the community shape their stories. From waving kids to seeing local landmarks and meeting a tour guide deeply rooted in the area, the experience broadened my understanding and my empathy.This episode connects those reflections to what matters most in teaching: building trust, honoring students’ identities, and understanding their world before expecting them to learn in ours. Visiting the community changes how we teach, how we relate, and how we build belonging within our classrooms.I close by encouraging educators to find their own ways to connect to the communities they serve and to see these connections as essential—not optional—in building authentic, student-centered classrooms where every learner feels seen, understood, and valued.Show Notes• I share three things I’m thankful for and why gratitude grounds my teaching.• I describe my first day with new staff and the joy of shared laughter.• I talk about the power of taking a community tour in Winnebago.• I reflect on understanding students’ neighborhoods, culture, and lived experiences.• I explain why community-based professional development matters for every district.• I share how seeing students’ world gives context that changes teaching.• I encourage teachers to explore their own students’ communities.• I offer a reflection question about connecting to community.Key Takeaways• Community connection strengthens belonging and trust in the classroom.• Visiting students’ neighborhoods gives teachers context before content.• Understanding culture and community deepens empathy and relationships.• Every district benefits from community tours or neighborhood engagement.• Authentic classrooms grow from knowing who students are and where they come from.

Episode SummaryOn this episode, I reflect on the start of a brand new chapter in Winnebago Public Schools and what it means to build relationships from day one. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I share the gratitude, excitement, and purpose that guide me into this new beginning and into a new community I am honored to serve.I talk about the emotions of leaving a district I loved for 22 years, the calling that led me to Winnebago, and the humility I bring as I enter a Native community ready to listen, honor, and learn. I also share the importance of gratitude—family, summer memories, and the opportunity to grow in a new place.I connect these reflections to the heart of teaching: showing students they matter, creating belonging, and embracing presence over perfection. Whether you’re a first-year teacher or a veteran stepping into something new, the work begins with authenticity, relationships, and patience.I close with encouragement for educators starting a fresh chapter—lean into it, trust your purpose, and remember that your presence will shape the year more than anything else.Show Notes• I share three things I’m thankful for as I begin a new school year.• I reflect on leaving South Sioux City after 22 years and choosing Winnebago Public Schools.• I talk about entering a Native community with humility, respect, and a listening heart.• I explain why relationship-building is the foundation of everything on day one.• I share advice about starting slow to build strong classroom systems.• I discuss embracing presence over perfection.• I offer guidance for teachers beginning new chapters in their careers.Key Takeaways• Building relationships from day one matters more than anything else.• Starting slow helps create strong, sustainable classroom systems.• Presence over perfection is the mindset that drives real impact.• New beginnings are opportunities to reimagine your influence and purpose.• Entering a new community requires humility, listening, and honoring its culture.

Episode SummaryI recorded this episode from Lincoln, Nebraska, where I spent the week writing state assessment items for the Nebraska writing assessment. This work reminded me how important it is for teachers—real classroom educators—to play an active role in shaping the systems that impact students statewide.As I dug into developing science assessment items, I gained a deeper understanding of how standards are measured, how tasks are structured, and how much intention goes into accuracy and bias reduction. These experiences connected me to educators across Nebraska, sparked meaningful collaboration, and strengthened my sense of purpose as a teacher leader.Throughout the week, I saw firsthand how state-level involvement fuels professional growth. It builds credibility, expands our impact, and helps ensure that decisions affecting students are grounded in classroom reality. From surprising moments, like a chopstick-and-M&M icebreaker, to powerful conversations with fellow fifth-grade teachers, the experience filled my cup in ways I didn’t expect.As I return to my classroom, I’m bringing back renewed energy, a wider lens, and a commitment to inspire greatness in young people. Leadership isn’t separate from teaching—it’s an extension of it, and every teacher’s voice matters.Show Notes• I reflect on spending a week in Lincoln writing state assessment items.• I explain why teacher involvement at state and national levels is essential.• I share insights into how standards are measured and assessments are constructed.• I discuss why educator voice should shape statewide decisions.• I explore how leadership roles build credibility and professional growth.• I describe connecting with teachers across Nebraska and the collaborative energy it created.• I talk about the chopstick and M&M icebreaker and why fun matters in PD.• I highlight the unexpected impact of partnering with a fellow fifth-grade teacher from western Nebraska.• I close with a message encouraging educators to step into leadership opportunities.Key Takeaways• Teacher voice is essential in shaping state-level assessments and decisions.• Participating in assessment development deepens understanding of standards and measurement.• Leadership opportunities strengthen credibility and expand educator influence.• Relationships built through statewide work bring energy and new ideas back to classrooms.• High engagement and fun enhance professional development.• Involvement at the state and national level creates ripple effects beyond a single classroom.

Episode SummaryIn this episode, I, Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, reflect on Day 3 of the National Teacher Leadership Conference 2025: Ignite the Magic in Orlando, Florida. I share how the day began with an early morning wellness walk around the Disney Yacht Club Resort grounds, and how something as simple as walking with fellow educators helped my physical and mental health and set the tone for a day of learning, connection, and gratitude.I talk about the Books Not Bullets keynote, led by Sandy Hook survivor and teacher Abby Clements and other powerful educators, and how the documentary “Death by Number” and their stories deepened my understanding of gun violence, grief, trauma, and advocacy. I also unpack my conflicted feelings—feeling the uphill battle of this work, yet knowing that doing nothing isn’t an option when it comes to protecting our students and schools.I then dive into the social emotional learning session for school leaders led by my friend Dr. Brianna Ross and her team from Prince George’s County. I share what I learned about building SEL into the fabric of a district, focusing on self-awareness, self-management, relationship skills, responsible decision-making, and social awareness. I reflect on the closing session, the joy of dancing and laughing together, the sense of hope I’m carrying forward, and my own closing comments about being in a dark time in education yet still believing in the light we create together.Finally, I share a deeply personal moment as I leave the conference—car camping in a rented minivan, paddling in Titusville to see bioluminescence, and returning to Cocoa Beach, the same beach I visited with my parents and brother 23 years ago right before my first teaching job. Sitting on that beach, thinking about my mom, my family, my 22 years of teaching, and my next chapter at Winnebago Public Schools, I feel humbled, grateful, and determined to keep inspiring greatness in young people and to keep being a funky teacher.Show Notes• Early-morning wellness walk around the Disney Yacht Club Resort and the mental/physical power of daily walking• Books Not Bullets session with Sandy Hook teacher Abby Clements and the Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence organization• Reflections on the “Death by Number” documentary and the long-term impact of school shootings on survivors, families, and communities• Discussion of secure gun storage, school safety, and why doing nothing is not an option for teacher leaders• Social emotional learning for school leaders with Dr. Brianna Ross and the Prince George’s County SEL model• Closing session moments of hope, shared reflection, dancing, and a public reminder that tough times require tough, united educators• Road-trip transition into stand up paddling, bioluminescence in Titusville, and a powerful return to Cocoa Beach to honor family, teaching, and the next chapter at Winnebago Public SchoolsKey Takeaways• Walking and movement are simple but powerful practices for both physical and mental wellness• School shootings leave deep, lifelong emotional and mental health impacts on survivors and communities• Teachers have a responsibility and a voice in advocating for safer schools and secure gun storage• Social emotional learning must be woven into the culture and systems of a district, not treated as “one more thing”• Even in dark times for public education, there is real hope when educators come together, tell the truth, and support one another• Returning to meaningful places and honoring family and personal history can refuel our purpose as teacher leaders

Episode SummaryOn this episode, I, Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, share my reflections from Day 2 of the National Teacher Leadership Conference in Orlando. I talk about waking up rested, preparing for two presentations, and starting the day by checking in with the sound crew to make sure everything was ready to go.I reflect on an advocacy session that deeply resonated with me, especially the reminder that “big ships turn slow,” the importance of choosing the right battles, and how private conversations can often lead to more meaningful change. I also talk about my own presentation, the feedback I received, and how I continue growing as a teacher leader.I connect the day’s lessons to classroom practice—from creativity, leadership traits, and mind–body connection to culturally responsive pedagogy, tough conversations, AI tools, and the importance of building strong relationships.I close with gratitude for the educators I met, the ideas exchanged, the wellness reminders, the fellowship work, and the joy of being surrounded by brilliant people doing meaningful work. This conference continues fueling my passion to inspire greatness in young people.Show Notes• Preparing early for two presentations and doing a sound check that prevented issues• Powerful advocacy session featuring themes like “big ships turn slow” and choosing your battles• Presenting “Every Educator Can Be a Funky Teacher” and reflecting on feedback• Learning about AI tools such as Brisk, Suno, Magic School, and Gemini• Presenting with the Civics Catalyst Fellowship and discussing tough classroom conversations• Experiencing the Wellness Lab’s focus on body, mind, and connection• Networking with educators, exploring exhibits, and ending the night reflecting on the dayKey Takeaways• Advocacy requires clarity, relationships, and knowing when to engage• Creativity, leadership traits, and wellness practices shape meaningful teaching• Teacher leaders grow through reflection and honest feedback• AI tools can support learning when used responsibly• Community, connection, and shared purpose strengthen the profession

Episode SummaryIn this very first episode, I talk about kicking off the Be a Funky Teacher podcast while traveling south to the National Teacher Leadership Conference. As Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, I describe the early-morning drive to Omaha, the anticipation of boarding two flights, and the feeling of starting something new and meaningful on the road to Orlando.I share how grateful I am for the opportunity to attend and present twice—once with my own session on being a funky teacher and once with my fellowship group. I reflect on wanting to attend this conference years ago, missing it during COVID, and feeling lucky and energized to finally make it. The excitement of meeting passionate educators from across the country is something I’ve been looking forward to.I talk about how this journey connects to the heart of teaching: community, learning from one another, and focusing on what’s right in education. My goal with this podcast is to uplift educators, celebrate students, and highlight the good happening in classrooms every day. I want this space to be about connection and inspiration.I close this first episode by sharing my hope for the days ahead and reminding listeners to inspire greatness in young people and continue being the kind of teacher who brings energy, purpose, and heart into the classroom.Show Notes• I record the very first episode while driving south toward Omaha to begin my conference trip.• I share my travel route: Omaha to St. Louis to Orlando.• I talk about launching the podcast at the same time as beginning a new educational journey.• I share that I will be presenting twice at the National Teacher Leadership Conference.• I reflect on missing the conference years earlier due to COVID and how meaningful it is to attend now.• I express excitement about meeting top-notch educators from across the country.• I talk about why focusing on what’s right in education matters.• I share that inspiring greatness in young people is the purpose behind the podcast.Key Takeaways• Starting the podcast during a major professional journey sets the tone for growth and purpose.• Presenting at the conference is both an honor and an exciting challenge.• Educators thrive when they focus on community and positivity.• Learning from passionate teacher leaders helps fuel professional growth.• Inspiring greatness in young people remains the central mission.

Episode SummaryIn this first episode, I introduce Unveiling Mr. Funky Teacher: A Journey Towards Educational Excellence (Traveling To The National Teacher Leadership Conference) and share why beginning the podcast on the road feels meaningful. As I drive south before catching flights to Orlando, I talk about how this journey mirrors the energy and purpose behind starting the Be a Funky Teacher podcast. I reflect on how this moment brings together adventure, learning, and a desire to inspire educators.I share my excitement about attending the National Network of State Teacher of the Year Conference and the honor of presenting twice. I talk about my solo session on being a funky teacher and a second presentation with my civics fellowship. I reflect on previously missing this conference during COVID and how grateful I am to finally participate, connect with fellows, and meet highly respected educators from across the country.I also connect this experience to what I hope this podcast becomes—a space where we uplift one another, learn from each other, and focus on what is right in education. I talk about the importance of celebrating students, teachers, and the good happening in our profession. My goal is to inspire greatness in young people and support educators who share that mission.I close by sharing the excitement, adrenaline, and anticipation of the days ahead as the conference begins. I plan to record more episodes throughout the week and explore what rhythm the podcast may take. As I wrap up this first episode, I invite listeners to join the journey and remember to inspire greatness in young people and be a funky teacher.Show Notes• I introduce the podcast while traveling south to begin my journey to Orlando.• I describe the travel route from Nebraska to St. Louis to Florida.• I share my excitement about presenting twice at the teacher leadership conference.• I talk about my involvement in a national civics fellowship that helped make the trip possible.• I reflect on previously missing the conference during COVID and finally attending this year.• I express how passionate educators can learn, grow, and build community together.• I highlight the purpose of the podcast: uplifting educators and focusing on what is right in education.• I share the adrenaline and excitement of heading into the first day of the conference.Key Takeaways• I launched the podcast during a meaningful travel journey to a national educator conference.• I am grateful for the opportunity to present twice and connect with passionate educators.• I want this podcast to uplift teachers and focus on the good in education.• I believe inspiring greatness in young people is at the heart of strong teaching.• I value community, learning, and sharing experiences with fellow educators.

Episode SummaryIn this trailer, I introduce Be a Funky Teacher and the heart behind why I created it. I share who I am as Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, and what drives me as a teacher, speaker, and stand-up paddler who has spent more than twenty years helping young people believe they can change the world. This space is meant to bring passion and purpose together so educators feel supported and encouraged.I talk about how most episodes will come from my real experiences—stories from the classroom, practical ideas, and the honest encouragement teachers need. I also share that I’ll sometimes bring on amazing guests, including educators, leaders, and change makers who can help us learn and grow together.I explain that this podcast focuses on building relationships, creating engaging learning spaces, and showing up with purpose and joy. I want listeners to feel that this is their space, whether they’re in their first year or their twentieth, whether they teach in a classroom or support young people in other ways.I close with an invitation to join the movement—to lead with heart, ignite passion, and build classrooms where every learner feels seen and valued. This trailer reminds educators that inspiring greatness in young people begins with showing up with authenticity and purpose.Show Notes• I introduce myself as Nicholas Kleve, Mr. Funky Teacher.• I explain the purpose of the podcast and how passion meets purpose.• I share that most episodes will focus on real stories, practical ideas, and encouragement.• I describe how guests—educators, leaders, and change makers—will sometimes join the show.• I invite educators to follow the podcast and join the movement of leading with heart.• I share the focus on building relationships, creating engaging learning spaces, and showing up with purpose and joy.Key Takeaways• I believe in helping kids believe they can change the world.• I want to lead with heart and get real about education.• I use stories, practical ideas, and encouragement to support educators.• I bring on guests so we can learn, grow, and get better together.• I want educators to build classrooms where every learner feels seen and valued.• I remind listeners to inspire greatness in young people and never forget to be a funky teacher.