Meet Mr. Benito
Hola, mi nombre es Ignacio Benito Correa. Soy de Argentina pero crecí en Minneapolis, Minnesota y ahora me encanta vivir y enseñar en Austin. Fui a la Universidad de Minnesota y la Universidad Texas Wesleyan. He estado enseñando por 7 años, y este será mi tercer año enseñando quinto grado en Blazier. No puedo esperar para trabajar con todos ustedes.
Las cosas que me gustan hacer son cualquier cosa que me mantenga activo. Jugar fútbol, andar en bicicleta, correr, nadar, pero lo que más me gusta hacer, es caminar con mi perro, Teo.
Hello, my name is Ignacio Benito Correa.
I am from Argentina but grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota and now I love living and teaching in Austin. I went to the University of Minnesota and Texas Wesleyan University. I have been teaching for 7 years and this will be my third year teaching 5th grade at Blazier. I can’t wait to work with you all.
Things I like to do are anything that is active. Playing soccer, riding my bike, running, swimming. My favorite thing to do though, is walking with my dog, Teo.
Meet Ms. de Hoyos
Kassandra de Hoyos was born and raised in Laredo, Texas.
She graduated with a degree in Literature and Communication from Texas A&M International University.
Before making the move to Austin, de Hoyos taught 6th grade ELAR for five years. In her free time she enjoys being an amateur film critic, coffee enthusiast, concert goer, and doting dog mom.
She's excited to embark on her sixth year of teaching as a Blazier Blue Jay!
Meet Ms. Carnine
Hello! My name is Natalie Carnine, and graduated from the University of Texas. I am entering my 13th year of teaching 5th Grade at Blazier, and couldn't be prouder to be a part of our school community.
I teach all subject areas, and I honestly couldn't pick a favorite!
I pride myself on the relationships that I build with my students, and I believe EVERY child has the potential to show growth and be successful.
I wear many hats at Blazier! I lead my 5th Grade team, mentor new teachers, support the teaching staff with their appraisals, and create and lead professional development opportunities for teachers at Blazier.
I am passionate about equity work and am continuously striving to improve my practice as an anti-racist and culturally inclusive educator.
My past students would tell you that I am very animated when I teach ("Mrs. Carnine, do you ever get embarrassed?!), that I really push my students while backing it up with fierce love, and that I never give up.
I am the proud mom of my four-year-old son, Jasper, and my one-year-old daughter, Bernadette (Birdie)!
Meet Ms. Mattern
All About Me!
Hello! My name is Laurel Mattern, and I love being a 5th grade teacher! I graduated from Texas State University with my bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and have been at Blazier for the past 15 years. It’s hard to believe that this will be my 12th year teaching 5th grade!
I am the proud parent of two boys- a lively 4-year-old named Jordan, and a sweet 1-year-old named Jesse. When I’m not spending time with my family, I love reading, traveling, listening to music, and practicing American Sign Language.
Fifth grade was such a memorable year for me, and it is my mission to make this true for my students as well. My most important goal as your child’s teacher is to hold them to a high standard of success and work ethic backed up by my fierce love for each and every learner in my classroom. I am also passionate about equity work and am continually striving to improve my practice as an anti-racist and culturally inclusive educator.
I'm a firm believer that EVERY single child has the potential to show growth and be successful. In order to accomplish this, I have planned a variety of activities to emphasize and reinforce this goal. It is also my hope that you will support and encourage this vision at home. By working together we can ensure that your child dreams big and soars high this year!
If you need to contact me, I am available via phone call, text, or through Bloomz. I will always respond within 24 hours but can often respond more quickly to messages. Please call the office with time-sensitive information.
Phone: 512-814-5435 (call or text)
Email: laurel.mattern@austinisd.org
Bloomz Class Code: W7ZMAV
Want to support our class? Visit our Amazon Wish List at https://bit.ly/matternwishlist
My Favorite Things:
Color: Blue
Store: Target or Amazon
Snack: Salt n vinegar chips
Sweet Treats: Dark chocolate or Snickers
Drink: Sparkling water or lattes
Meet Ms. Fakhreddine
Hello! I’m Ms. Fakhreddine, I graduated from UT Austin with a Psychology BA and a minor in English. I am Lebanese American and fluent in Arabic. I was born and raised in Austin but try to visit Beirut as often as I can!
I have always loved working with children and helping to improve their futures. I worked as a CASA volunteer and as a research associate in the EVO Learn lab at UT studying how culture influences learning. Teaching is one of the many avenues in which one can support and inspire young learners and I am so excited to start my third year at Blazier! I was awarded Teacher of Promise for Blazier Intermediate for the 2023-2024 school year.
My favorite pastimes are writing and anything having to do with art! I love nature (but hate bugs) and am always open to new experiences.
Meet Ms. Holmes
Welcome to 5th grade! I am Ms. Holmes. I am a born and raised Texan! I am from Denton, Texas and made the journey to attend the University of Texas right here in Austin completing my degree In Early Childhood Applied Learning and Development with a science certificate. This is my second year teaching at Blazier teaching 5th grade! I cannot wait for this new journey of having two classes teaching math and science! I am a firm believer that EVERY student is and will become their best successful self in my classroom. I am extremely passionate about creating a culturally responsive classroom centered around equitable instruction by creating a deep and loving relationships with my students.
My favorite pastimes are all things being outside such as, Swimming at Barton Springs, running, soaking in the sun with a good book, and my favorite being traveling!
I cannot wait to meet you all and see where the year will take us!
Meet Ms. Manis
Hello, I am Kierana Manis! I am so excited to be a part of the 5th grade team this year! This is my second year at Blazier, but my first year as a fifth-grade teacher! I have always had a passion for teaching, and I was inspired to become a teacher thanks to some of my early jobs as a swim and dance instructor as well as my own schooling experience. I am from El Campo Texas and I moved to the Austin area in 2020 in order to pursue a career in Education. I am a proud graduate of Texas State University, where I graduated with my undergraduate degree in Elementary Education. This year I will be teaching Science, and ELA. I am so excited to see what this year will bring!
Ms. Manis' Favorites:
Color: Green
Drink: Coffee
Pastime: Thrifting
Animal: Cats