Shally Lundien, Mark LaTurner named Joplin High School assistant principals

(From Joplin Schools)

Joplin Schools is pleased to announce Shally Lundien and Mark LaTurner as Joplin High School Assistant Principals. 

For the last five years, Lundien has served as the Principal at Columbia Elementary. Before Columbia, Lundien served five years as the Assistant Principal under Dr. Gilbreth at South Middle School. 

LaTurner has served as a social studies teacher at Joplin High School for the last ten years. For the last four years, he has been the social studies department chair.

LaTurner grew up in Galena, Kansas, and has been an educator for the last fourteen years. His career began at W.W Samuell High School in the Dallas Independent School District in Dallas, Texas, where he taught U.S and world history before moving back to the Joplin area to continue teaching and be closer to family.

Lundien grew up in Carl Junction, Missouri, and has been in education for over 20 years. She started her professional career as the Head Softball Coach and Instructor at Pittsburg State University. 

After five years, she returned to the high school level to teach and coach. For the next ten years, Lundien taught science and coached at the high school and middle school levels. She taught high school science at Carl Junction and Seneca for four years. She continued her career at Carthage Junior High, teaching 7th-grade science for four years. In 2011, Lundien was hired as a principal for Joplin Schools.

Lundien said, “I am very excited to start this new adventure in my professional career. I am passionate about building relationships with students, staff, and families in our community. I feel my years of experience at various levels of education will provide great opportunities to help our high school students achieve their potential and plan for a successful future.” 

Dr. Moss, Superintendent of Schools said, “Both Shally and Mark have an excellent positive history of service to Joplin students. We are pleased that their proven work in Joplin Schools will continue in their new roles. ”

LaTurner said, “In my time at JHS, I have developed great relationships with the teachers and staff and I am excited to help serve the needs of our students here in a new capacity as assistant principal. I am absolutely thrilled and grateful to be continuing my career as a Joplin Eagle!”

LaTurner earned his bachelor’s degree in history from Pittsburg State University and has completed his master’s degree in educational administration from Missouri State University.

Lundien is a graduate of Carl Junction High School. She completed her Associates of Arts from Crowder College and Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology and Education from Missouri Southern State University. Lundien earned a Master of Science in Physical Education from Pittsburg State University, a Master of Science in Educational Leadership and a Specialist in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University.