A New School Year, A New Chapter

Episode SummaryIn this episode, I celebrate two beginnings at once: another school year and episode 300 of the Be a Funky Teacher podcast. When I recorded my first episode, I never imagined reaching this milestone, and I’m proud of what those 300 episodes represent—300 opportunities to encourage educators and talk about a profession I truly love.I reflect on how the podcast has evolved from individual episodes built around whatever was on my heart into deeper conversations and connected series. Those conversations have also become the foundation for future books, including Be a Funky Teacher and Teaching in an Age of AI, while reminding me that the podcast itself will always come first.I also look ahead to the next major weekday series, which will focus on the challenges facing teachers and why I believe teachers are not broken—they are carrying tremendous weight. Saturday Stories and Sunday School for Teachers will continue, and I’m also working to make classroom resources more consistently available while exploring a possible Be a Funky Teacher YouTube show.As I begin my 24th year in education, I’m excited about another group of students and another opportunity to grow. Episode 300 isn’t a finish line. It’s the beginning of a new chapter, and my challenge for educators is not only to think about what students should learn this year, but also who we want to become as educators.Show NotesCelebrating episode 300Beginning my 24th year of teachingHow the podcast has evolvedA new series focused on supporting teachersSaturday Stories and Sunday School for TeachersBooks, classroom resources, and a possible YouTube showKey TakeawaysMeaningful work is built through consistency.Reflection helps educators continue growing.Relationships remain at the center of teaching.Teachers need honest conversations and hope.Episode 300 is the beginning of another chapter.