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Meet Ms. Carnine
Hello! My name is Natalie Carnine, and graduated from the University of Texas. I am entering my 14th 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 five-year-old son, Jasper, and my two-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. Gilmore
I was born in St. Louis, Missouri then moved to Houston, Texas when I was 10.
I am a certified scuba diver and have been diving in Belize, Honduras, and Mexico. I have two dogs, a 5-year-old husky, and a 4-year-old husky/lab mix.
I attended Texas State University and graduated with a degree in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. This will be my 3rd year teaching at Blazier.
I love teaching 5th grade because it's a time of incredible growth and discovery for students.
The enthusiasm they bring to learning and their unique perspectives make each day exciting and fulfilling!
Meet Ms. Nash
Hello! My name is Madelyn Nash, and I am very excited to officially be part of the 5th grade team this year! This will be my second year at Blazier Intermediate, but my first year as a 5th grade teacher.
I was born and raised in Central Texas and am so happy to be working within AISD. I graduated from Texas State University with a degree in Early Education.
I have always loved school and learning, so I am looking forward to fostering that same love in my students this year. I truly believe teaching is my calling and purpose in life.
Fifth grade is a year full of much growth, discovery, and big accomplishments. My goal is to challenge each of my students to aim high, work hard, and believe in their full potentials. Your student is in safe hands and will be cared for, respected, and supported in this classroom.
Meet Ms. McKinney
Hello!! My name is Maddison McKinney, and I am thrilled to be a part of the 5th grade team. This will be my first year here at Blazier Intermediate and I cannot wait to start the school year! I was born in south east Texas, but graduated from Texas State University where I received my BA in Psychology with a minor in English.
I have three years of experience with ABA therapy (applied behavioral analysis) from working in a clinic for children with Autism. I have always loved to learn and grow others in their learning too.
Fifth grade is such a special year. 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.
Meet Ms. Andrews
Hi there! My name is Ms. Andrews. I am excited to be your teacher for the school year. We are going to have fun and learn a lot this year!
I was born and raised in Southern California. Do I like to surf? I have never tried it. Do I eat kale? Sometimes. Will you catch me using the term "dude?" Most likely. Arts and crafts are my jam. Cooking is a close second.
I thrive in making my students feel safe, seen and loved. I cannot wait to see how much we grow together in the classroom.
Meet Ms. Mancilla
¡Hola! Mi nombre es Socorro Mancilla y estoy muy emocionada de unirme a la comunidad de Blazier este año. Me gradué de la Universidad de Texas State en 2021 con una licenciatura en Educación Bilingüe. Durante los últimos cuatro años, he enseñado de 3.º a 5.º grado y me ha encantado ayudar a mis estudiantes a crecer, descubrir nuevas habilidades y ganar confianza. Fuera de la escuela, disfruto visitar nuevas cafés , coser y explorar librerías en busca de libros bilingües únicos. ¡Estoy muy entusiasmada por conocer a mis estudiantes y familias aquí en Blazier y trabajar juntos para que este sea un año maravilloso!
Hi! My name is Socorro Mancilla, and I’m so excited to be joining the Blazier community this year! I graduated from Texas State University in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in Bilingual Education. For the past four years, I’ve taught 3rd–5th grade and have loved helping my students grow, discover new skills, and build confidence. Outside of school, I enjoy trying new coffee shops, sewing, and exploring bookstores to find unique bilingual books. I can’t wait to get to know my students and families here at Blazier and work together to make this a wonderful year!
Thank you!
Meet Ms. Santos
¡Hola!
Mi nombre es Alma Santos y estoy súper emocionada de comenzar mi primer año en la escuela Blazier Intermediate como maestra de quinto grado en el programa de Doble Inmersión.
Crecí en un pequeño pueblo cerca de Austin y tuve la oportunidad de visitar la ciudad con frecuencia, lo cual me hizo enamorarme de ella. Tengo un título de Asociado en Artes en Lenguas del Mundo (Español) y obtuve mi licenciatura en Educación Bilingüe en la Universidad de Texas State en San Marcos.
Mi meta este año escolar es guiar a sus estudiantes para que alcancen su máximo potencial, en un salón de clases donde los estudiantes serán apoyados, valorados y libres de expresarse. Como su maestra espero ver su crecimiento no solo académico, sino también personal.
¡Tengo la esperanza de construir conexiones significativas con cada uno de mis estudiantes y crear un ambiente de aprendizaje lleno de motivación, curiosidad y alegría! Estoy súper emocionada por todo el crecimiento y las experiencias espectaculares que vamos a poder construir este año.
Hello! My name is Alma Santos, this will be my first year at Blazier Intermediate and I am so happy to be able to teach 5th grade Dual Language this year!
I was raised in a small town near Austin where I was able to come to Austin frequently and fell in love with the city. I have an Associates of Arts in World Language Spanish and later graduated from Texas State University in San Marcos Texas with a Bachelors in Bilingual Education.
My goal this year is to be able to guide your students to their full potential and create an environment where students feel cared for and feel free to express themselves. I am looking forward to seeing all my students grow not just academically but personally as well. My hope for this school year is to be able to see the incredible growth, learning and connections I will be able to make with my students!
Meet Ms. Ammerman
Hello! I am Mrs. Denise Ammerman. I will be your child’s fifth grade dual language teacher. I am a proud graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science in Child Development and Family Relationships. I had the opportunity to take graduate courses in bilingual education at Texas Tech University.
Since beginning my teaching career in 1999, I have taught students across a wide range of grade levels, including pre-kindergarten through sixth grade (with the exception of second grade). My experience includes 2 years in Pre-K, 2 years in Kindergarten, 2 years in First Grade, 4 years in Third Grade, 3 years in Fourth Grade, 10 years in Fifth Grade, and 1 year in Sixth Grade. I’ve taught in various regions of Texas—North, South, West, and Central—bringing a broad perspective to my teaching practice.
I am passionate about creating a classroom environment that is safe, welcoming, nurturing, culturally accepting, loving, and fun.
I’m married with two children. My daughter is entering her junior year at the University of Texas at Austin, and my son will begin his freshman year at Texas Tech University.
¡Hola! Mi nombre es Señora Denise Ammerman. Yo seré la maestra bilingüe de su estudiante en quinto grado. Soy graduada de la Universidad de Texas en Austin con una Licenciatura en Ciencias en Desarrollo Infantil y Relaciones Familiares. También tuve la oportunidad de tomar clases en educación bilingüe en la Universidad de Texas Tech.
Desde que comencé mi carrera en 1999, he enseñado a estudiantes de varios niveles escolares, desde pre-kínder hasta sexto grado (con la excepción de segundo grado). Tengo experiencia de 2 años en Pre-Kínder, 2 años en Kinder, 2 años en Primer Grado, 4 años en Tercer Grado, 3 años en Cuarto Grado, 10 años en Quinto Grado y 1 año en Sexto Grado. Yo enseñé en diferentes regiones de Texas—el norte, sur, oeste y centro del estado—lo que me ha dado una perspectiva amplia en la enseñanza.
Trato lo mejor de crear un ambiente seguro, cariñoso, culturalmente inclusivo y divertido.
Estoy casada y tengo dos hijos. Mi hija está por comenzar su tercer año en la Universidad de Texas en Austin, y mi hijo empezará su primer año en la Universidad Texas Tech.