In this episode, I take a step back to unpack what the phrase “funky teacher” actually means. After weeks of exploring identity, relationships, and purpose, this idea has continued to surface—and it deserves a deeper look beyond surface-level assumptions.
Being a funky teacher is not about personality, energy, or standing out for attention. It is about how you show up each day—your mindset, your presence, and your intentional choices in moments that matter. It is rooted in authenticity, not performance.
This work requires awareness and reflection. It asks teachers to consider not just what they are doing, but who they are becoming through their work. Growth in teaching is not instant—it is built over time through experience, challenge, and decision-making.
Ultimately, becoming a funky teacher is a commitment. A commitment to lead with humanity, stay grounded in who you are, and show up consistently with purpose. It is not about becoming someone else—it is about becoming more of who you already are.
Show Notes
What “funky teacher” really means (and what it doesn’t)
Moving beyond performance to authenticity
The role of presence in teaching
Why intentional choices shape your identity
Leading with humanity in everyday moments
The importance of boundaries and sustainability
Growth over time as a teacher
Commitment to who you are becoming
Key Takeaways
Being “funky” is about authenticity, not personality
Presence matters more than perfection
Teaching identity is shaped through daily choices
You do not need to copy others—be yourself
Boundaries help sustain meaningful work
Growth happens over time, not overnight
This work is a commitment, not a label
Transcripts
Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve:
This is Mr. Funky Teacher with BeAFunkyTeacher.com. I'm coming to you with another Be a Funky Teacher podcast.
Welcome back, everyone.
Today's episode is called What Becoming Funky Actually Means.
Over the last 10 weeks, we've talked about identity, humanity, culture, relationships, courage—all of it.
And somewhere along the way, this word keeps showing up.
Funky.
And it's easy to hear that word and not fully understand what it means, or maybe even misunderstand it.
But it's not about being loud.
It's not about being different just to be different.
It's something deeper than that.
So today, I want to slow this down and really talk about what it actually means to become a funky teacher.
Before we get into it, I want to ground myself in gratitude.
Here are three things that I'm thankful for.
The first thing that I'm thankful for is trees.
What they provide—the air we breathe, the shade, the presence they have in this world.
They don't apologize for existing.
And what trees give us is something we can overlook or take for granted.
But it matters in ways we don't always think about.
And I love trees, and I'm thankful for what they give us.
The second thing that I'm thankful for is the mentorship of great teacher leaders in my life.
People who have guided me, challenged me, supported me over decades of teaching.
I wouldn’t be who I am today without that.
And the third thing that I'm thankful for is warm hugs from family.
Those moments of connection, closeness, just being present with the people who matter most.
That stays with you.
All right, let’s get into it.
The main topic we are focusing on today is what becoming funky actually means.
When people hear “funky teacher,” they might picture something on the surface—energy, personality, style.
But that’s not what this is about.
This is about how you show up.
How you think.
How you respond.
And honestly, over these last 10 weeks, this has become even clearer to me.
This isn’t just a phrase.
It’s a way of being.
Something you choose.
Something you grow into over time.
Maybe for you, this shows up in moments where you pause and ask yourself:
Who do I want to be in this moment?
Not just what do I do, but who am I becoming through this work?
Because that question changes everything.
And that’s where this conversation begins.
It’s not about being performative.
Being a funky teacher is not about putting on a show.
It’s not about trying to impress students or creating an image.
Students can feel what’s real and what’s not.
When something feels forced, it doesn’t land.
This is about authenticity, not performance.
It starts with being yourself.
You don’t have to become someone else to do this work well.
You don’t have to copy another teacher or match someone else’s style.
The strongest version of this comes from being fully yourself.
It’s about presence, not perfection.
Being a funky teacher doesn’t mean you have everything figured out.
It means you are present—even on the messy days.
Even when things don’t go as planned.
Presence matters more than perfection.
It requires intentional choice.
This doesn’t happen by accident.
It’s a series of choices.
How you respond.
How you speak to students.
How you handle moments.
Those choices shape who you become.
It means leading with humanity.
At the center of this is how you treat people—students, colleagues, yourself.
It’s choosing empathy.
Choosing understanding.
Even when it’s not easy.
It takes courage to stay true.
There will be moments where it’s easier to go along, to follow the script, to not stand out.
But this work asks something more.
And staying true takes courage.
It requires boundaries.
You can’t be everything.
And trying to be will take more from you than you can sustain.
Being a funky teacher doesn’t mean giving everything away.
It means protecting your energy so you can keep showing up.
It includes joy, but isn’t dependent on it.
There will be hard days, heavy days.
And you’re still this teacher in those moments.
This is deeper than just feeling good.
It’s built over time.
You don’t arrive at this overnight.
It’s something you grow into through experience, reflection, and learning.
And ultimately, it’s a commitment to who you are becoming.
Not once, but over and over again.
As I close, I want to say this.
Becoming a funky teacher isn’t about standing out.
It’s about standing firm in who you are.
It’s about choosing to show up with heart, presence, and purpose.
Not perfectly—but consistently.
Wherever you are in your journey, remember this:
You’re not trying to become someone else.
You’re becoming more of who you already are.
If you found value in this episode, head on over to Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen and leave a five star review.
It helps more teachers find this space.
And as you go into your day, remember to inspire greatness in young people.
