This is Mr. Funky Teacher with BeAFunkyTeacher.com. I'm coming to you with another Be a Funky Teacher podcast. Well, welcome back to the Be a Funky Teacher podcast everyone, where we teach with heart, lead with joy, and always stay just a little funky. I want to start today with sharing three things I'm thankful for. The first thing I'm thankful for is my wife and my kids. We wrapped up our summer break with a trip to the Wisconsin Dells for about five days. It was wonderful to spend that time together as a family. I’m also thankful for my brother and my dad. My dad has been spending a lot of time with my disabled brother, and after getting his wheelchair van fixed, they’ve been able to be together much more. I got to spend some time with them yesterday, and I’m grateful for that. Finally, I am thankful for Winnebago Public Schools. I’m starting a brand-new chapter here—new classroom, new students, new community, and so much opportunity to learn and grow. Gratitude keeps us grounded, and today it’s fueling my first day in a new school. I did spend some time working back in June on assessment work for Winnebago Public Schools, but today is the true beginning. After 22 years in South Sioux City, it was time for something new—a funky new beginning. It was a tough decision because I absolutely loved teaching in South Sioux City, but it was time for something new. Why Winnebago? This wasn’t just a career move—it felt like a calling. Teaching has always been a calling. South Sioux felt like a calling 22 years ago, and now Winnebago feels like the next step I’m meant to follow. New hallways, new faces, but the same mission: seeing kids, hearing kids, helping kids grow and thrive. I am going to be teaching in a Native community, which will be new for me. I’ve taught Native students, but not in a Native-based school district. I want to honor the culture, heritage, and traditions of the Winnebago Tribe. I’m coming in with humility, ready to listen deeply—honoring the voices of students, families, long-time staff, community members, and elders. I’m excited, and I know there will be challenges, but what an opportunity to be part of something meaningful. This podcast never speaks on behalf of any district. These are my perspectives and experiences as Nicholas Kleve. But I can’t underscore enough how excited I am. I’m feeling excited, a little nervous—because even after 22 years, a new school year brings real emotions. I come with experience, knowledge, and wisdom, but also deep gratitude for this opportunity. Advice for teachers starting fresh: Start slow to build strong. You can’t do everything in a day. You can’t build every relationship or system immediately. Start slow, take it in, process it, and lay the foundation correctly. If you start too fast, you may stumble. You also don’t need a perfect plan. Show up as your authentic self. I don’t have a perfect plan today—and that’s okay. I even got locked out of my school account because of two-factor authentication! I know when to be there, and I know the mission. The rest will unfold. And above all, let students know they matter. Seating charts, supplies, and systems are important, but relationships sit above everything. Every beginning is a chance to set that tone. New beginnings are a chance to reimagine your impact. I know the impact I’ve had these past 22 years. Now I want to build new impact in Winnebago. I already see ways to tweak what I do, adjust what I do, and keep what works. New spaces give us those chances. If you’re starting a new chapter—new district, new grade, new mindset—lean into it. Your presence, not your perfection, will shape this school year. I’m not coming in as a perfect teacher. If perfection is what they wanted, they should have hired someone else. But I will be present, passionate, and committed to growth and impact every day. So as I bring this episode to a close, I want you to inspire greatness in young people. And don't forget to be a funky teacher. Bye now.