Discover how fun, collaboration, and high expectations can coexist in the modern classroom—and why every child deserves a champion. Dr. Lycka sits down with veteran educator and Principal of County Central High School, Philip Knafla, to explore the power of relationships, resilience, and relevance in education.

They discuss how creating a student-centered culture, launching programs like automotive tech and rock band, and leading with both transparency and empathy can redefine what school feels like—especially in rural settings. Philip also reveals how a “short memory” and a love for both math and drama have helped him teach with joy and lead with grace.

Guest Bio: Philip Knafla has been teaching for 25 years in a variety of settings - from larger public schools to smaller alternative programs - and has had the opportunity to work with students from K-12. Currently the Principal at County Central High School in Vulcan, Alberta, Philip is a student-oriented leader who is passionate about taking care of the people in the building, creating unique opportunities for students, and striving for fun, collaborative, hard-working days.

Social Media:

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philip-knafla-2209

Thanks for listening to the show! It means so much to us that you listened to our podcast! If you would like to continue the conversation, please email me at allen@drallenlycka.com.

This show is built on “The Secrets to Living A Fantastic Life.” Get your copy by visiting: https://secretsbook.now.site/home

Dr. Allen Lycka’s Social Media Links

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Dr. Jamie Valenzuela-Mumau joins us to share his transformative journey from middle school bus driver to educational leader and innovator. With over 30 years in education, Dr. Valenzuela-Mumau now leads Coherent Educational Solutions and the My Future Capacity platform—tools designed to help students discover careers aligned with their strengths, interests, and identities. Learn how culturally responsive teaching, student voice, and AI-powered tools are reshaping the future of education, one empowered learner at a time.

Guest Bio: Dr. Jamie Valenzuela-Mumau is on a journey to transform your classroom and empower every student! With over 30 years of experience and a deep commitment to educational equity, he partners with educators to implement best practices that empower students to become lifelong learners. Jamie's educational leadership expertise and proven track record in providing effective solutions make him a sought-after consultant and partner.

Social Media:

• Website: https://www.coherented.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjamievm/
• E-mail: Jamie@coherented.com

Thanks for listening to the show! It means so much to us that you listened to our podcast! If you would like to continue the conversation, please email me at allen@drallenlycka.com.

This show is built on “The Secrets to Living A Fantastic Life.” Get your copy by visiting: https://secretsbook.now.site/home

Dr. Allen Lycka’s Social Media Links

• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/drallenlycka
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• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allenlycka/

We would be honored to have you subscribe to the show, just use the podcast app on your mobile device or visit webtalkradio.com.

✅ This Podcast is not only available at Webtalkradio.com but all the major social podcast platforms. Additionally, you can watch it on AppleTV, Roku and Amazon Firestick streaming devices. Download the Experts and Authors app or visit www.expertsandauthors.tv and click “The Elite Educator”

Leave a review: We appreciate your feedback, as every little bit helps us produce even better shows. We want to bring value to your day, and have you join us time and again. Ratings and reviews from our listeners not only help us improve, but also help others find us in their podcast app. If you have a minute, an honest review on iTunes or your favorite app goes a long way! Thank you!

Jennifer Turner has spent over two decades shaping young minds at her alma mater, Port Credit Secondary School. As Head of the Languages Department, Jennifer shares her powerful insights on making Shakespeare relatable, navigating the rise of AI in education, and encouraging students to think critically and authentically. From classroom theatrics to tough conversations on literature, Jennifer offers a passionate, no-nonsense take on what it truly means to teach with heart in today’s world.

Guest Bio: Jennifer Turner is a veteran secondary school English teacher. While she began her career in Brampton, Ontario, she has spent the past twenty years at her own Alma mater, Port Credit Secondary School in Mississauga Ontario, and has been the head of the Languages department there for over 12 years. Although she has taught all grades, she mostly specializes in teaching grade 12 students. She loves to teach Shakespeare, (King Lear is her favourite play) and often incorporates her love for drama when doing so. Outside of school, she loves travelling or spending time at her cottage with her family and this usually means going for long walks, swimming, and reading a good book on the dock.

Thanks for listening to the show! It means so much to us that you listened to our podcast! If you would like to continue the conversation, please email me at allen@drallenlycka.com.

This show is built on “The Secrets to Living A Fantastic Life.” Get your copy by visiting: https://secretsbook.now.site/home

Dr. Allen Lycka’s Social Media Links

• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/drallenlycka
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_allen_lycka/
• X: https://X.com/drallenlycka
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrAllenLycka/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allenlycka/

We would be honored to have you subscribe to the show, just use the podcast app on your mobile device or visit webtalkradio.com.

✅ This Podcast is not only available at Webtalkradio.com but all the major social podcast platforms. Additionally, you can watch it on AppleTV, Roku and Amazon Firestick streaming devices. Download the Experts and Authors app or visit www.expertsandauthors.tv and click “The Elite Educator”

Leave a review: We appreciate your feedback, as every little bit helps us produce even better shows. We want to bring value to your day, and have you join us time and again. Ratings and reviews from our listeners not only help us improve, but also help others find us in their podcast app. If you have a minute, an honest review on iTunes or your favorite app goes a long way! Thank you!