In this episode, I, Mr. Funky Teacher, Nicholas Kleve, focus on redefining teacher leadership and why it is so much more than being in charge. I share that real leadership is not about titles or control, but about how teachers show up, take ownership, and influence the culture around them.
I begin by sharing three things I’m thankful for: spending meaningful time helping my dad with yard work, my son being okay after a hard hit in football, and my wife getting valuable family time with her dad and sister during a season of transition. These moments ground me and remind me how deeply leadership is connected to care and responsibility.
I then unpack what teacher leadership really looks like in practice. Leadership starts with ownership—owning your choices, your classroom, and your impact. It is deeply relational, rooted in connection rather than control, and grounded in service that steps in to meet needs without waiting for permission.
I also emphasize that teacher leadership requires a growth mindset, courage to speak up when something isn’t right, and a commitment to learning alongside others. True leaders cast vision, inspire hope, and refocus teams on students when morale is low.
I close by sharing that teacher leadership is about collaboration, not competition. It’s about the “we,” not the “me.” Every teacher, regardless of role or title, has the power to lead in ways that strengthen school culture and multiply impact.
Show Notes
• I share three things I’m thankful for that reflect responsibility, family, and connection.
• I explain that teacher leadership starts with ownership, not titles.
• I describe leadership as relational and rooted in connection rather than control.
• I explain how service is a key part of teacher leadership and does not require permission.
• I highlight the importance of a growth mindset and learning alongside others.
• I discuss how courage is required to speak up for students and fairness.
• I explain how teacher leaders provide vision and inspiration by reminding others of the “why.”
• I emphasize that leadership builds collaboration, not competition, and focuses on the “we.”
Key Takeaways
• Teacher leadership is about ownership, not position or title.
• Strong leadership flows through relationships, service, and trust.
• Growth-minded leaders stay curious, humble, and willing to learn.
• Courage is essential when advocating for students and fairness.
• Collaboration multiplies impact, while competition limits it.
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, we are going to be talking about redefining teacher leadership: It’s more than being in charge. That’s going to be our focus.
But before we get into it, let’s talk about three things I’m thankful for.
The first thing I’m thankful for is having time to get work done at my dad’s house out in his yard. The hours I spent outdoors this weekend were very productive and meaningful as I helped with fall cleanup. I felt calmer and happier knowing I was able to help my dad.
The second thing I’m thankful for is that my son is okay after taking a really hard hit in football. Moments like that remind me how precious health and safety are. We were worried about a possible concussion, but it sounds like he’s doing okay, and I’m incredibly grateful for that.
The third thing I’m thankful for is that my wife was able to spend time with her dad and sister this past weekend. My father-in-law is selling his house and preparing to move, and family connection matters. I’m grateful she was able to be there with them.
Alright, let’s get into the heart of today’s episode: redefining teacher leadership: It’s more than being in charge.
Leadership starts with responsibility. Leadership isn’t a title. It’s ownership. Teacher leaders own their choices, their classrooms, and their impact. They’re willing to say when a lesson didn’t work and reflect on how to improve it. Leadership begins with owning our actions.
Teacher leadership is relational. Leadership flows through connection, not control. Teachers lead when they encourage colleagues, support students, and extend empathy. Checking in on an overwhelmed teammate or asking a student how they’re doing—that’s leadership.
Teacher leadership is also about service. Real leaders notice needs and step in without waiting for permission. Service might mean mentoring a new teacher, sharing resources, or covering a duty so a colleague can handle a family emergency. That is teacher leadership.
Leadership requires a growth mindset. Great leaders keep learning. They stay curious, adaptable, and humble. Being willing to say, “I don’t know yet, but I’ll learn with you,” is powerful. Leaders who pretend to know everything can do real harm. True teacher leaders grow alongside others.
Teacher leadership takes courage. Leadership means speaking up when something isn’t right. That could be defending a student’s dignity, questioning a policy, or addressing inequities. It’s uncomfortable at times, but teacher leaders lean into that courage.
Teacher leadership provides vision and inspiration. Real leaders remind people of the why. Sharing stories of student success can recenter a team when morale is low. Leadership through hope and affirmation is far more powerful than leading through pressure or threats.
Finally, teacher leadership builds collaboration, not competition. It’s about the we, not the me. Leadership brings people together, shares credit, and celebrates collective wins. Collaboration multiplies impact, while competition limits it.
As we wrap up, leadership isn’t about being in charge. It’s about how you show up. True teacher leaders take responsibility, build relationships, serve others, grow, speak with courage, inspire vision, and foster collaboration. Every teacher, no matter their role, can lead in this way and transform the culture around them.
Remember to inspire greatness in young people. And don’t forget to be a funky teacher. Bye now.
