In 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.
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 back, everyone.
Today’s episode is Be the Eagle: Rising Above Negativity and Staying Focused on Your Mission. That’s what we’re focusing on today.
Before we get into it, I want to share three things I’m thankful for. First, I’m thankful for warmer days this time of year. Those unexpected warm fall days remind me that even during seasons of change, comfort can still show up. Sunshine after gray days can lift the mood and remind us that warmth always comes back.
Second, I’m thankful for brooms. Yesterday I used one to clean up broken glass on the street, and it reminded me that leadership sometimes looks like quietly cleaning up a mess that isn’t yours because you care about the safety of others. Small actions can make a big difference.
Third, I’m thankful for tasty snacks. Midday snacks help fuel lesson planning and grading. Simple pleasures like trail mix or dried mango can be small reminders to care for ourselves throughout busy days.
Today’s focus is rising above negativity and staying focused on your mission. Nature gives us powerful metaphors if we pay attention, and one of them is the story of the eagle and the crow. The crow attacks the eagle by landing on its back and trying to distract it. The eagle doesn’t fight back. It flies higher until the crow can no longer breathe and falls away.
The lesson is simple. Fighting drains energy. Rising multiplies it. In education, our crows show up as gossip, criticism, comparison, or inner doubt. When we stay low and react, we get stuck. When we rise, we protect our purpose.
In schools, negativity can come from colleagues, social media, or internal pressure. The goal isn’t to pretend it doesn’t exist, but to choose not to live there. Leadership is about controlling altitude. When gossip starts, rising might mean stepping away. When frustration builds, rising means choosing calm and professionalism.
To fly higher in education, protect your mental altitude. Start your day grounded in gratitude. Choose purpose over proving yourself. Surround yourself with people who lift rather than drain. When adult noise gets loud, step into your classroom, greet students, and reconnect with your why.
Eagles don’t avoid storms. They use the wind to climb higher. The world will always have critics and distractions, but they can only ride with you if you stay low. When you choose peace over pettiness and purpose over pride, you rise.
Remember to inspire greatness in young people. And don’t forget to be a funky teacher. Bye now.
