The Elite Educator Podcast

What happens when fun, collaboration, and high expectations all thrive in the same classroom? In this inspiring episode, Dr. Lycka sits down with veteran educator and Principal of County Central High School, Philip Knafla , to explore how every child can be seen, supported, and championed.   Together, they dive into the power of relationships, resilience, and relevance — the pillars that transform...

What happens when fun, collaboration, and high expectations all thrive in the same classroom? In this inspiring episode, Dr. Lycka sits down with veteran educator and Principal of County Central High School, Philip Knafla , to explore how every child can be seen, supported, and championed. Together, they dive into the power of  relationships, resilience, and relevance — the pillars that transform...

From middle school bus driver to educational leader, Dr. Jamie Valenzuela-Mumau shares how culturally responsive teaching, student voice, and AI-powered tools can reshape learning. Now leading Coherent Educational Solutions and the My Future Capacity platform, he's helping students discover careers aligned with their strengths and passions—one empowered learner at a time. Guest Bio - With over 30...

Veteran English teacher and Head of Languages at Port Credit Secondary School, Jennifer Turner, joins us to share how she makes Shakespeare come alive, guides students through the challenges of AI in education, and fosters authentic critical thinking. With over 20 years in the classroom, Jennifer offers a passionate, practical perspective on teaching with heart in today's world. Guest Bio - Jennif...

Stacy Hovey returns with heart, purpose, and a people-first approach to leadership in education. In this encore conversation with Dr. Lycka, she sheds light on the pressing challenges educators continue to face—burnout, rising class sizes, and the urgent need for genuine listening. Filled with wisdom and authenticity, this timeless episode offers both hope and practical strategies for those commit...

Join Dr's Allen Lycka and David Kelly, principal of Nixa High School, for a look at Davids 20-year journey in secondary education, insights on building strong school culture, achieving excellence and preparing students for real-world success. A must-listen for educators and change-makers. Guest Bio : Dr. David Kelly has spent 20 years in secondary education, currently serving as Principal of Nixa...

Tune in to meet Martina Fazzano, principal of St. Elizabeth Catholic High School , whose journey from the music industry to education leadership bridges real-world learning with student empowerment. In this edition of The Elite Educator , Martina shares how she champions student voice, modernizes curriculum, and brings Indigenous history into the classroom—while keeping learning meaningful, memora...

Welcome Laura Beltran! Laura is Principal of St. Joseph's Catholic High School in Windsor, Ontario. With 31 years of experience in education, Laura shares her journey from aspiring pediatrician to passionate educator. She discusses the importance of equity, inclusion, and student well-being, as well as her leadership in unique programs like Hockey for Youth and the Benevolence Café. Laura also ref...

Rhae-Ann Holoien—Superintendent of Battle River School Division—shares powerful insights from her 30+ years in education. From growing up in a family of educators to leading division-wide transformation, Rhae-Ann reveals how she builds inclusive school cultures, prioritizes well-being, and leads with authenticity. Whether you're a teacher, leader, or education advocate, you'll gain practical strat...

Dr. Lycka is joined by Paul Turner, a veteran Language and Literature teacher whose journey into education began with an unexpected pivot from law enforcement. With nearly three decades of classroom experience, Paul shares his love for experiential learning, the value of cultural immersion, and the impact of international student trips. His story is a powerful reminder of how resilience and curios...

We're bringing back one of our most beloved episodes of  The Elite Educator ! Join Dr. Al as he reconnects with Bryan Burns, principal of Matthew Halton High School in Pincher Creek, Alberta—a place close to both their hearts. From growing up in Ontario to leading with purpose in Southern Alberta, Bryan shares his journey with warmth, humor, and, yes, a few standout sock choices. In this encore, y...

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 automotiv...

In this episode of The Elite Educator , Dr. Jamie Valenzuela-Mumau shares his inspiring journey from driving a middle school bus to leading innovative education reform. With over 30 years of experience, he now heads Coherent Educational Solutions and the My Future Capacity platform—tools that help students align their strengths and interests with meaningful career paths. Hear how student voice , c...

In this encore episode of The Elite Educator , we revisit one of our most compelling conversations with veteran English teacher Jennifer Turner —a force in the classroom and a fearless advocate for authentic learning. With over two decades of experience at Port Credit Secondary School , her own alma mater, Jennifer brings unapologetic passion, wit, and wisdom to the mic.   As Head of the Languages...

In this powerful encore conversation, Stacy Hovey returns to share her people-first approach to educational leadership. With honesty and heart, she joins Dr. Lycka to unpack the real issues facing today's educators—from burnout and overwhelming class sizes to the often-overlooked impact of being truly heard. Full of wisdom, authenticity, and actionable insight, this episode offers a renewed sense...

Join Dr. Allen Lycka and Dr. David Kelly, Principal of Nixa High School, for this insightful encore conversation exploring Dr. Kelly's 20-year journey in secondary education. Discover his proven strategies for building a strong school culture, mentoring educators, and preparing students for success beyond the classroom. This episode is a must-listen for educators, leaders, and anyone committed to...

We're excited to bring back Martina Fazzano, principal of St. Elizabeth Catholic High School. In this encore presentation, you'll hear about Martina's inspiring journey from the music industry to educational leadership. It's amazing how real-world experience can empower students and enrich learning. Listen as she shares her commitment to championing student voice, modernizing the curriculum, and i...

Join us for an encore presentation of one of our most inspiring episodes! Dr. Allen Lycka welcomes Laura Beltran, Principal of St. Joseph's Catholic High School in Windsor, Ontario. With over 31 years of experience, Laura shares her remarkable journey from aspiring pediatrician to passionate educator. Discover her insights on equity, inclusion, and student well-being, and learn about her leadershi...

In this encore episode, Rhae-Ann Holoien—Superintendent of Battle River School Division—shares powerful insights from her 30+ years in education. From growing up in a family of educators to leading division-wide transformation, Rhae-Ann reveals how she builds inclusive school cultures, prioritizes well-being, and leads with authenticity. Whether you're a teacher, leader, or education advocate, you...

We're revisiting a listener favorite in this encore presentation of  The Elite Educator . In this inspiring first episode, Dr. Lycka is joined by Paul Turner, a veteran Language and Literature teacher whose journey into education began with an unexpected pivot from law enforcement. With nearly three decades of classroom experience, Paul shares his love for experiential learning, the value of cultu...

In this heartfelt and humorous episode of The Elite Educator , Dr. Al welcomes Bryan Burns, principal of Matthew Halton High School in Pincher Creek, Alberta—a town that holds deep roots for both of them. From humble beginnings in Ontario to becoming a cornerstone of his Southern Alberta school community, Bryan shares the twists, turns, and sock patterns that shaped his journey.   They discuss the...

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 automot...

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 res...

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 offe...

Stacy Hovey brings heart, purpose, and people-first leadership to the frontlines of education. In this episode, she joins Dr. Lycka to explore the real challenges educators face today—burnout, growing class sizes, and the power of truly listening. Packed with insight and authenticity, this conversation offers a fresh, hopeful perspective and practical tools for anyone passionate about transforming...