This is Mr. Funky Teacher with BeAFunkyTeacher.com. I’m coming to you with another Be a Funky Teacher podcast. Welcome back, everyone. Today’s episode is called Don’t Take Advice From People Who’ve Never Done What You Want To Do. Before we jump in, I want to give you a quick preview. This episode breaks down a message from Sam Dema, a former student leader turned national speaker, who recently shared something every teacher needs to hear. It’s about ignoring the noise, protecting your direction, and choosing whose voice actually deserves space in your life. Before we dig into that, let’s talk about three things I’m thankful for today. The first thing I’m thankful for is sunglasses. That little moment of shade, that small comfort, the way they soften the day just a bit. I’ve always worn sunglasses and always seem to have a pair with me. It’s a tiny thing that makes a big difference. The second thing I’m thankful for is paper on a roll. This is a teacher secret weapon. Anchor charts, group work, hallway displays, brainstorming sessions. That big roll of paper is creativity waiting to happen. The third thing I’m thankful for is flavored water. Something simple that feels refreshing. A little burst of flavor that makes staying hydrated more enjoyable. Now let’s get into the main topic. Don’t take advice from people who have never done what you want to do. Sam Dema shared a message that hit hard for me. He said a pilot would never ask the passengers how to fly the plane. Stop asking people for advice who have never done what you want to do. That line stopped me in my tracks because that’s education. That’s leadership. That’s life. Teachers spend their days being evaluated, judged, critiqued, and second-guessed, often by people who have never taught a room full of students. Yet somehow those voices carry weight. Sometimes too much weight. Not every voice deserves volume. People love giving opinions. Teachers live this reality daily. But opinion is not experience. Someone who has never taught cannot tell you how to teach. Someone who has never managed a classroom cannot judge what should have happened. Perspective is only helpful when it’s paired with experience. Sometimes the loudest voices are the least qualified. When teachers are tired, overwhelmed, or vulnerable, unqualified opinions can shake confidence. But here’s the truth educators need to reclaim. Your expertise was earned. You didn’t wake up one day as a teacher. You learned, trained, practiced, failed, grew, reflected, and evolved. Ask this question before taking advice from anyone. Has this person done what I’m trying to do? If the answer is no, their voice does not get authority over your direction. Advice should come from people who have walked the path, understand the pressure, respect the craft, and carry real experience. Unqualified voices drain energy. Filtering them out isn’t mean. It’s wise. You can love someone and still not follow their advice. You can respect someone and still not let their voice define your choices. You are the pilot of your classroom and your career. You don’t ask the passengers how to fly the plane. Teaching is emotionally expensive work. Every decision carries weight. When someone without experience questions your boundaries, tone, or direction, their opinion can chip away at identity if you let it. Once you internalize the truth that they’ve never done what you’re trying to do, you reclaim clarity and confidence. You lead with purpose instead of pressure. Surround yourself with people who elevate you. Find mentors who understand the work, challenge you in healthy ways, and want to see you shine. You don’t need a crowd. You need a circle rooted in experience, not assumptions. Your direction is too important to hand over to someone who hasn’t walked the path. You’ve earned your voice, your instincts, and your expertise. Protect them. Remember, you’re the pilot. The passengers don’t get to fly the plane. Remember to inspire greatness in young people. And don’t forget to be a funky teacher. Bye now.