In this episode, I pause to reflect on how far Be a Funky Teacher has come and where this journey is headed next. What began a little over a year ago on my way to the National Teacher Leadership Conference has grown into nearly 300 episodes centered on teaching, leadership, relationships, humanity, student voice, and hope.

I share why I’ve decided to slow the podcast down for a few weeks and move from daily episodes to weekly summer check-ins. I’m not stopping or disappearing. I’m simply giving myself space to rest, spend time with my family, reflect, and prepare for the next season of this work.

I also share updates about my upcoming books. I’m now working toward releasing the first Be a Funky Teacher book in late October, followed by Teaching in an Age of AI in the spring. These projects are another way for me to encourage educators and remind them that their humanity and influence still matter.

As I look ahead, my mission remains the same. I want to help educators feel encouraged, supported, and hopeful while continuing to make a difference in my classroom, my school, and the larger education community. The conversation isn’t ending. It’s continuing in a new way.

• Reflecting on nearly 300 podcast episodes
• Moving to weekly summer check-ins
• Choosing rest without abandoning the mission
• Updates on two upcoming books
• Continuing to encourage educators
• Looking ahead to the next season

• Slowing down can support long-term growth.
• Rest is not the same as giving up.
• The mission of serving educators remains unchanged.
• Teachers still need encouragement, hope, and community.
• The next chapter can look different without ending the journey.