In 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.
Transcripts
unky Teacher (Nicholas Kleve):
This is Mr. Funky Teacher with BeAFunkyTeacher.com. I’m coming to you with another Be a Funky Teacher podcast. Welcome, everyone.
Today’s episode is titled, What really inspires students. It’s not the lesson plans, it’s you. That’s what we’re focusing on today.
Before we get into it, let’s talk about three things I’m thankful for.
The first thing I’m thankful for is time with my two sons at the Nebraska Cornhusker football game. My wife and daughter weren’t able to go because they had a baby shower, so my two sons and I made the trip to Lincoln. Watching their faces light up at their first big Division I football game is the kind of memory you hold onto. Seeing the Cornhuskers get the win made it even better.
The second thing I’m thankful for is my brother getting better. My brother has been in the hospital, and he lives with physical and mental disabilities. I’ve been going up every night to spend time with him. My dad, who’s in his mid-seventies, has barely left his side. Seeing my brother grow stronger and feel better means everything.
The third thing I’m thankful for is former students and families reaching out with encouraging words. Over the last week, several former students and families have shared kind messages about the impact I had on their kids. Those words are worth their weight in gold.
And that ties directly into today’s episode. What really inspires students isn’t the lesson plans. It’s you.
One big idea here is presence over perfection. Students won’t remember if you followed every script or nailed every pacing guide. They’ll remember the teacher who noticed when they were hurting. They’ll remember the teacher who laughed with them and showed up consistently, even on tough days. Presence inspires more than polish ever could.
This year, I’m using multiple new curricular resources. Some of it feels clunky. Even after hours of preparation, I don’t always feel ready. But I’m present. I’m steady. I’m real. I tell my students I’m not a perfect teacher and they’re not perfect students, and we’ll figure it out together. That imperfection is part of being human.
Another big idea is that energy is contagious. Classrooms often reflect a teacher’s mood. If you walk in flat, kids feel it. If you bring energy, curiosity, and excitement, it shifts the room. Energy doesn’t mean being “on” all the time, but it does mean being intentional. Using your voice, moving through the room, laughing at little moments, and showing passion helps students lean in.
I think about the energy at the Nebraska football game. That sea of red lifted everyone. The same thing happens in classrooms. Our energy creates momentum that students ride.
The next idea is modeling being human. Students don’t connect with superheroes. They connect with real people. We can share mistakes, passions, and struggles in age-appropriate ways. That models resilience, authenticity, and growth.
I plan to share with my students that my brother has been in the hospital. Life is messy sometimes, and we keep moving forward. Even hearing from former students reminds me that authentic connections last far beyond tests and worksheets.
Here’s the bottom line. Inspiration doesn’t come from perfect lesson plans. It comes from you. Your presence, your energy, your humanity. Students may forget the worksheets, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel seen, heard, and valued.
Keep showing up.
Remember to inspire greatness in young people. And don’t forget to be a funky teacher. Bye now.
