All Episodes
Be A Funky Teacher Podcast — 314 episodes
I Need to Take a Step Back
Teaching in the Age of AI
More Responsibilities, Same 24 Hours
Parent Expectations Have Changed
The Student Mental Health Crisis
Student Behavior Has Changed
Sunday School for Teachers: The Sower — Seeds You May Never See Grow
Saturday Stories Leadership Kit: Read Lots of Books — The Story That Changed It
What Happens When Great Teachers Walk Away
Why This Isn’t Just a Teacher Problem
The Teacher Shortage: Symptoms vs. Causes
Teacher Burnout vs. Moral Injury: Understanding the Difference
Why Good Teachers Are Leaving the Profession
A New School Year, A New Chapter
Summer Check-In 4: Gratitude for Family and Looking Ahead
Summer Check-In 3: Learning Never Stops
Summer Check-In 2: Celebrating Milestones and Making Memories
Summer Check-In 1: The Power of Shared Experiences
What’s Next for Be a Funky Teacher?
What Happens When You Take a Leap of Faith?
The BAGO Mic Student Podcast: How Student Voice Changed My Teaching
Looking Back on My First Year at Winnebago: What I Learned
What I'm Taking Back from the PLC at Work Institute in Las Vegas
Sunday School for Teachers: Bloom Where You're Planted
Saturday Stories: Leadership Kit — Think Differently and Be Creative: The Unusual Idea
Eric Twadell: Beyond PLC Lite — Digging Deeper Into the Three Big Ideas of a PLC at Work
Tim Brown: Helping Students Believe They Can — Building Self-Efficacy Through Reflection and Goal Setting
Jason Hillman: The Impact of Trauma — A Personal Story
Regina Stephens Owens: Your Physical, Mental, and Relational Wellness — Thriving at Work and at Home
Anthony Muhammad: Transforming School Culture 2.0 — Why Culture Is Important Today, Tomorrow, and Forever
Sunday School for Teachers: Gideon — Leading When You Feel Inadequate
Saturday Stories: Leadership Kit — Help Your Family
Maria Nelson: Belief Equals Action — Every Teacher, Every Team, Every Student
Jason Hillman: The Impact of School Culture — We Have to Get It Right
Regina Stephens Owens: The WHY Effect 2.0 — Intentional Systems Produce Inspirational Cultures
Mike Mattos: All In — Digging Deeper into Becoming a True Professional Learning Community
Why This Conference Mattered: Reflections from a National Education Conference in Las Vegas
Sunday School for Teachers: The Prodigal Son — Grace When Students Stray
Saturday Stories Leadership Kit: Help Our Community — After School
A Letter to a Teacher in the AI Age
What Human-Centered Teaching Actually Means
The Tension: Navigating AI Without Losing Ourselves
The Through Line: What Connected These 10 Weeks?
Why This Conversation About AI Matters
Sunday School for Teachers: The Beatitudes — The Upside-Down Classroom
Saturday Stories Leadership Kit: Work Together — The Talent Show
Choosing Humanity on Purpose
Becoming the Teacher the Future Needs
Why This Work Is Still Sacred
Teaching with Hope, Not Fear
What Will Always Matter in Teaching
Sunday School for Teachers: Nehemiah — Rebuilding What’s Broken
Saturday Stories Leadership Kit: Stop Hatred and Meanness — That’s Not Funny
Staying Grounded in Shifting Systems
Teaching When Change Is Mandated
Guarding Humanity in Policy Decisions
Why Relationships Resist Automation
When Systems Chase Efficiency
Sunday School for Teachers: The Upper Room — Unity in Uncertainty
Saturday Stories — Leadership Kit: Spread Tolerance — The Group Project
Why Students Still Need Adults
Teaching Attention in a Distracted Age
Protecting Curiosity
Digital Literacy Is Moral Literacy
Helping Students Think about Technology
Sunday School for Teachers: Jesus Washes Feet — Servant Leadership
Saturday Stories — Leadership Kit: Recognize That Different Is Okay — Not the Same
Designing for Thinking, Not Output
Teaching Integrity Explicitly
Cheating or Signal
Rethinking Assessment in an AI World
What Learning Looks Like Now
Sunday School for Teachers: Jesus Calms the Storm — Peace in Chaos
Saturday Stories — Leadership Kit: Get It Done — No Excuses Left
Balancing Structure and Flexibility
When Tools Become Teachable Moments
Teaching with AI, Not Against It
Modeling Lifelong Learning
Teachers as Guides, Not Deliverers
Sunday School for Teachers: Paul’s Thorn — Grace in Weakness
Saturday Stories — Leadership Kit: Be Responsible for Choices — That One Was Mine
Skills That Transfer Everywhere
Curiosity as Career Preparation
Why Careers Will Keep Changing
Teaching Adaptability Instead of Certainty
Preparing Students for Jobs That Don’t Exist Yet
Sunday School for Teachers — The Valley of Dry Bones: Hope in Hard Seasons
Saturday Stories — Leadership Kit: Do What You Say — You Said You Would
Collaboration as a Human Skill
Creativity Isn’t a Prompt
Ethics Cannot Be Outsourced
Critical Thinking in a Generative World
Discernment Over Information
Sunday School for Teachers: Elijah Under the Broom Tree — When You’re Burned Out
Saturday Stories — Leadership Kit: Give Your Best Effort — It Still Counts
Relationships Still Anchor Learning
Learning as a Human Act
The Purpose of School Revisited
Why Memorization Isn’t the Enemy
Content Was Never the Point
Sunday School for Teachers: The Pharisee and the Tax Collector — Humility in Leadership
Saturday Stories — Leadership Kit: Keep Trying — One More Rep
Speed Is Not Understanding
Automation vs. Judgment
Tools Are Not Wisdom
What AI Cannot Do
What AI Actually Does Well
Special Message: Happy Easter--He Is Risen!
Sunday School for Teachers — Seeing the One in the Tree
Saturday Stories — Leadership Kit: Work Hard — After the Bell
Slowing Down the Noise
Fear Is a Bad Curriculum
Schools Have Always Changed—This Isn’t New
A Funky Teacher Milestone: Episode 200 — This Was Never Just a Podcast
Why This Conversation About AI Matters for Teachers
Teaching in the Age of AI
Sunday School for Teachers: The Widow’s Mite — Small Acts Still Matter
Saturday Stories — Leadership Kit: Think About Options and Consequences — Before You Send It
A Letter to a Funky Teacher
What Becoming Funky Actually Means
The Tension
The Throughline
Why This Work Still Matters
Sunday School for Teachers: Ruth — Faithfulness in Small Places
Saturday Stories — Leadership Kit: Deal with Mistakes — The Redo
Keep Showing Up
This Is the Teacher I Choose to Be
Choosing Heart Every Day
Staying Funky When Things Get Hard
Becoming a Funky Teacher Is a Journey
Sunday School for Teachers: The Armor of God — Guarding Your Heart in Teaching
Saturday Stories — Leadership Kit: Make Decisions — Waiting Isn’t Leading
Why Kids Remember How We Made Them Feel
The Ripple Effect of Being Human
Growth You Can’t Measure
When Students Feel Seen
The Difference a Teacher Can Make
Sunday School for Teachers: The Vine — Staying Connected
Saturday Stories — Leadership Kit: Spread Joy and Happiness — It Started at One Table
When Meaning Carries You Forward
When Teaching Feels Sacred Again
Freedom to Teach: Honoring Where You Teach
Remembering Your Why Without the Cliché
The Magic That Still Shows Up
Why This Work Still Matters
Sunday School for Teachers: Moses and the Burning Bush - When You Feel Unqualified
Saturday Stories Leadership Kit: Be Sunshine to Others — The Morning Shift
Choosing Longevity Over Martyrdom
Staying Soft in a Hard System
Boundaries Are an Act of Leadership
You Can Care Without Carrying Everything
Protecting Your Energy
Sunday School for Teachers: Daniel in the Lion’s Den — Courage in Public Spaces
Freedom to Teach: Autonomy on Ice
Saturday Stories — Leadership Kit: Choose Your Attitude, All the Time — The New Seat
Naming What’s Broken Without Losing Hope
What Teachers Are Actually Asking For
Compliance Is Not Engagement
Burnout Is Not a Personal Failure
When Systems Forget the Humans
Sunday School for Teachers: The Parable of the Talents — Faithful With What We’ve Been Given
Saturday Stories Leadership Kit: Share Your Enthusiasm — It Spreads
Staying True When It’s Easier Not To
Courage Isn’t Loud
Being Misunderstood as a Teacher
When You Don’t Fit the System
Teaching Against the Grain
Sunday School for Teachers: The Fruit of the Spirit — Who We Are Before What We Do
Saturday Stories — Leadership Kit: Be Careful of Enthusiasm Destroyers — The Comment That Stuck
Love Is Not Lowering the Bar
Holding High Expectations with Grace
Why Connection Is Not a Soft Skill
Kids Who Push Back Need Us Most
Seeing the Child Before the Behavior
Sunday School for Teachers: Peter Walks on Water — Faith in Uncertainty
Saturday Stories — Leadership Kit: Excitement in Everything — Aaliyah Tries Again
When Culture Breaks, Learning Stops
Trust Is the Real Curriculum
Relationships Over Rules
Safety Before Standards
Belonging Comes First
Sunday School for Teachers: Mary and Martha — Presence Over Pressure
Saturday Stories — Leadership Kit: Be Present and Focus — Sofia Looks Up
You’re Allowed to Feel This
Why Vulnerability Matters with Kids
The Emotional Weight Teachers Carry
When You’re Tired but Still Show Up
Teaching While Human
Sunday School for Teachers: The Lost Sheep — Every Child Is Worth the Search
Saturday Stories — Leadership Kit: Get Rid of Distractions — Jayden Puts It Down
The Teacher I’m Still Becoming
Permission to Be Yourself in the Classroom
Why I Refuse to Teach on Autopilot
Teaching with Heart in a Compliance World
What It Means to Be a Funky Teacher
Sunday School for Teachers: The Good Samaritan: Loving Beyond Convenience
Saturday Stories Leadership Kit: Stop Interrupting — Aaliyah Notices
School Is the Safest Place for Some Kids — And Breaks Complicate That
What Students Notice That Adults Often Miss
When Teaching Doesn’t Go As Planned: Why Adaptability Is One of a Teacher’s Greatest Strengths
The First Day Back Matters More Than the Lesson Plan
Coming Back After the Break: The Emotional Side of Teaching Nobody Warns You About
Sunday School for Teachers: David And Goliath: Faith Bigger Than Fear
A Pause Before Winter Break: Gratitude, Reflection, And Taking Care Of What Matters
Listening To Student Interests Matters Just As Much: Why Connection Is A Two Way Street
Let Kids See You’re Human: Why Sharing Your Interests Build Stronger Relationships
The Weight Teachers Carry: Fear, Safety, And Showing Up In A World Of School Shootings
You Don’t Have To Fix Everything To Make A Difference
School Is A Safe Place And Breaks Aren’t Always Easy For Every Kid
Sunday School or Teachers: Esther: For Such A Time As This
Kids Don’t Learn When Adults Are Out Of Sync: Why Your Energy Sets The Tone
What Students Really Remember: Hint It’s Not The Curriculum
Consistency Over Noise: Why Real Teacher Leaders Don’t Need To Be Loud
100 Lessons That Changed My Teaching Journey And Made Me Mr. Funky Teacher
Secondhand Trauma, The Emotional Weight Teachers Carry And Rarely Talk About
Sunday School for Teachers: Deborah: Leading with Wisdom and Courage
Your Tone Is A Teaching Tool: Why Kids Learn More From How You Say It Than What You Say
The Myth of the ‘Bad Kid’: What Adults Often Miss
Why Kids Don’t Learn When They Don’t Feel Safe
Kids Are Not Mini Adults: Adjust Expectations, Not Compassion
The Power Of A Fresh Start: Why Monday Doesn't Define The Week
Sunday School for Teachers: Daniel Interprets Dreams
Why Classroom Culture Is More Important Than Classroom Control
Teachers Need Grace Too: Permission To Be Human
Let Kids Try Hard Things: The Gift Of Struggle
Start Where They Are, Not Where You Wish They Were
Say Yes More: Why Kids Need Chances, Not Gatekeepers
Sunday School for Teachers: Train Up A Child In The Way He Should Go
Stop Shrinking to Make Other People Comfortable
Don’t Take Advice From People Who’ve Never Done What You Want To Do
Teachers Leave Bad Administration, Period
Untapped Why Teachers Need Opportunities To Shine
When Kids Come To School Carrying Heavy Things
Sunday School for Teachers: Jethro Advises Moses
Trust Over Testing: What Finland Can Teach Us About Keeping Teachers
When Teachers Stop Caring: The Quiet Danger of Apathy
The Myth Of Doing It All: Why Teachers Need To Let Go Of Perfection
Protect Your Peace: No One’s Coming To Save You
Breaking The Assembly Line: Why Schools Must Create Thinkers, Not Workers
Sunday School for Teachers: Solomon Asks for Wisdom
Intent Matters: Sharing Advocacy Without Losing The Mission
After The Testimony: What I Learned From Speaking Truth At The Capitol
Before The Testimony: The Power Of Using Your Teacher Voice
The Power Of Participation: Why Voting Matters For Educators And Students
Invisible Work: The Hidden Load Teachers Carry (Teacher Burnout & Compassion Fatigue)
Beyond The Test: Why Teacher Impact Can’t Be Measured By Scores
Sunday School for Teachers: Jesus Welcomes the Children
Fall Fun And Funky Celebrations: Why Classroom Parties Still Matter
Celebrating With Students: Finding Joy In The Moments That Matter
Building A Strong Collaborative Team: Creating Trust, Clarity, And Purpose At The Grade Level
How to Address a Mistake You Made with a Collaborative Team
Finding Focus in the Fall Frenzy: Keeping Calm When Everything’s Competing for Attention
The View From Above: Leading With Perspective
Wings Of Gratitude: Teaching Students The Art Of Appreciation
Flying Together, Helping Others Rise As You Soar
Be The Eagle: Rising Above Negativity And Staying Focused On Your Mission
One Caring Adult: The Power Of Truly Seeing Every Child
Quiet Moments Matter: Finding Peace In The Noise Of Teaching And Life
Finding Joy In The Small Things: How Simple Moments Can Refill A Teacher's Heart
Progress Takes Time: Patience, Process, And The Power Of Staying Steady
The Power Of Pausing: Why Rest And Reflection Make You A Better Teacher
Creating A Classroom Where Students Feel Safe To Take Risks
Showing Up Matters: The Power Of Supporting Students Beyond The Classroom
The Bad Apple Effect: How One Negative Voice Can Impact A Whole Team
Grace Over Guilt: Letting Go And Leading With Compassion
Homecoming Week: Why Teachers Should Join In The Fun And Show Their School Spirit
Mental Self-Care for Teachers: Clarity, Focus, and Protecting Your Mindset
Practical Self Care For Teachers: Simplifying Routines And Protecting Your Time
Spiritual Self Care For Teachers: Purpose, Reflection And Grounding Practices
Social Self Care For Teachers: Connection, Community, And Healthy Boundaries
Emotional Self Care For Teachers, Resilience, And Stress Relief In The Classroom
Physical Self Care For Teacher Energy, Rest, And Resetting Your Body
Teacher Self Care Strategies To Recharge And Avoid Burnout
Teacher Leader Do's And Don'ts Leading Without Losing Your Funk
Redefining Teacher Leadership: It’s More Than Being In Charge
Be The Storm Finding Strength When Teaching Gets Tough
Advocating For Kids Standing Up When Adults Belittle, Humiliate, Or Make Fun Of Students
How To Regain Control Of Your Classroom Without Losing Relationships
How To Structure A Group Behavior Meeting With Parents And Staff
What Really Inspires Students. It’s Not The Lesson Plans, It’s You
How Do You Provide Rigor While Still Keeping It Fun And Exciting For Students?
How Do We Keep It Fun? Why Joy Still Belongs In The Classroom
Kids Are Watching: Modeling The Kind Of Grownups You Want Them To Become
The Power Of Starting Over: New District, New Systems, Same Heart
You Don’t Have To Be Perfect, Just Present
Teaching On Tough Days: How To Show Up When You’re Not Feeling A Hundred Percent
Teaching Soft Skills: Preparing Students for Life Beyond the Classroom (with 10 Key Soft Skills for Career Success in 2026)
Managing Risk And Teaching, Balancing Challenges And Safety
Teacher Boundaries: How To Care Without Burning Out
The Human Side Of Teaching: Building Classroom Community By Putting Relationships Before Rigor
Don’t Give Up On Kids: Raising Expectations In Every Classroom
Building Classroom Community: Putting Relationships Before Rigor
Classroom Systems And Procedures: Building Success Through Structure
Celebrating Small Wins, Building A Positive Classroom Culture
Teacher Tips For Parent Phone Calls: Handling Ongoing Misbehavior Constructively
Teacher Collaboration: Building Strong Teams Through Collaborative Meetings
Classroom Routines For The First Weeks Of School: Teacher Tips For Consistency
Classroom Management Tips: Handling Disrespectful And Talking Out Behavior
Celebrating Small Wins, Building A Positive Classroom Culture
Back To School Teacher Overwhelm: How To Manage Stress And Stay Positive
Tips For Teachers Building Relationships From Day One
Historical Trauma and Teaching: Reflections from Sarah Snake
Reviewing Allison Edwards’ “Growing Up Strong”: Mental Health & Soft Skills
Open House Tips for Teachers: How to Connect with Students and Parents
New School, New Teammates, New Trust: Building Staff Relationships from Day One
Open House Tips for Teachers: How to Connect with Students & Parents from Day One
Building Community: Belonging and Connection in the Classroom
Tips for Teachers Building Relationships From Day One
The Importance of Teacher Involvement at State Level
Reflections from the National Teacher Leadership Conference: A Day with Mr. Funky Teacher (National Teacher Leadership Conference Day 3)
Embracing The Funk: The Transformative Power of a Creative Teacher (National Teacher Leadership Conference Day 2)
Unveiling Mr. Funky Teacher: A Journey Towards Educational Excellence (Traveling To The National Teacher Leadership Conference)
Unveiling Mr. Funky Teacher: A Journey Towards Educational Excellence (Traveling To The National Teacher Leadership Conference)
Be a Funky Teacher Trailer – Inspire, Lead, and Keep It Real in the Classroom