Episode Summary

In 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.

This is Mr. Funky Teacher with BeAFunkyTeacher.com. I’m coming to you with the very first episode of the Be a Funky Teacher podcast. I am on my way south. I got in my car this morning and headed south. I do have two hands on the steering wheel—hands free—recording this podcast and kicking off this summer’s journey of podcasting while heading to a very big conference down south.

It’s at the Disney Yacht Resort. I am so excited to be heading south. It feels fitting that I’m kicking off this podcast on the way to my own little journey. I love going on adventures and having experiences, and why not kick off a big podcast while on a journey myself?

If you’re tuning in, you might be wondering what this conference is all about. I have an opportunity to attend and present twice at this conference—once with a solo presentation about how every educator can be a funky teacher, and once with a fellowship I’m part of. It’s a national civics fellowship that I’ll talk about in future podcasts. A group of us fellows will be doing a presentation and sharing the work we’ve been doing. This fellowship is one of the big reasons I’m even able to attend.

I’ve never been to this national conference. I wanted to go years ago when it was in Minneapolis, but that was during the COVID year and it ended up going digital. I couldn’t attend because of the circumstances. Now I’m back and grateful.

Not only do I get to present twice, but I also get to meet some of the best educators in the country. I looked at the conference app and saw the list of attendees—top-notch, highly respected educators. I’m excited to meet them, talk with them, and learn from them. I’m excited to go to other presentations and connect with people I’ve met through different fellowships.

I love education. I love teaching, I love talking about education, and I love learning with others who are passionate about it. This conference is a chance for all of us to learn, grow, and take that knowledge back to our states, communities, and classrooms.

This podcast is about community. It’s about learning from one another. I’m not here to complain or focus on what’s wrong in education. We know there are challenges, but focusing only on what’s wrong isn’t helpful. I want to uplift educators, celebrate education, celebrate students, and celebrate teachers. Teachers are doing so much good to inspire greatness in young people. That’s what this is about.

Today the conference kicks off. It’s around two in the morning as I’m driving on the interstate. I didn’t sleep much—maybe an hour—because I was so excited. If you’re attending the conference, maybe you’re feeling that adrenaline too.

If you’re not attending, maybe it’s a conference you’ll want to consider in the future. I’m not getting anything for promoting it. I just like to share things I think are meaningful. I haven’t even arrived yet and I already feel the energy.

With that, I’m going to bring this first episode to a close. I want you to remember to be a funky teacher and inspire greatness in young people. Thank you. Bye now.