Hi there! My name is Lonal Van and I will be teaching fourth grade. This is my first year teaching at Whittier, and I am eager and delighted to be working in this wonderful community. Although this is my first year teaching I am definitely not a stranger to the classroom. I have been working for the Minneapolis Public School district for 8 years as a behavioral dean and prior to this as a mental health practitioner, specializing in kids with behavioral needs. I have a Bachelors of Arts in Communication and recently graduated with my Masters in Arts of Teaching from St Paul Concordia University.

Outside of the classroom I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, attending sporting events, staying active, and travelling.

This year my goal is to create a classroom environment of inclusion and equality where everyone feels welcomed as they are, and empowered to be whom they want to be. Kindness, respect, and hardworking are a few of the key attributes I strive to teach all students alongside their academic curriculum. I am very much looking forward to meeting all my new students and their loved ones.

Please feel free to contact me anytime with questions/concerns at Lonal.van@mpls.k12.mn.us