This episode reflects on what it truly means to be a funky teacher beyond personality, performance, or style. Being funky is about how we show up on heavy days, uncertain days, and moments when teaching feels overwhelming.

Early in my career, I thought there was a “right way” to teach, and without realizing it, I started smoothing the edges of who I was. Over time, it became easy to drift toward autopilot and forget how much students respond to realness.

When I stay intentional and human instead of transactional, students feel it. That presence builds trust, and trust changes the way kids behave, engage, and learn.

Being a funky teacher costs comfort and approval sometimes, but it creates safety, connection, and impact that lasts. Funky teaching isn’t a switch — it’s a choice I recommit to each day.

• Defining what it truly means to be a funky teacher.

• Gratitude for teachers who stay and remain present.

• Authenticity versus performance in teaching.

• The danger of teaching on autopilot.

• Why students feel authenticity immediately.

• The emotional cost of leading with heart.

• Recommitting daily to purposeful teaching.

• Being a funky teacher is about presence, not personality.

• Autopilot slowly disconnects teachers from purpose.

• Students respond to authenticity, not perfection.

• Leading with heart costs comfort but builds trust.

• Funky teaching is a daily choice, not a one-time decision.