Larry Frier 

Joining the koala family has been a dream come true! I am truly grateful for the opportunity to grow with your beautiful community this year as the Assistant Principal of Willie Kocurek Elementary. I joined Austin ISD as a second grade teacher back in 2008 under the leadership of the one and only Heather Parmelee! Since then, I have taught in various bilingual or dual language classrooms in schools throughout Austin and Plano ISD. I have also served as a Curriculum Specialist and Literacy Coach which has awakened my passion to support teaching and learning within a greater school community by working collaboratively with teachers to implement new, research based practices that focuses on both student academics and their social and emotional learning. I look forward to working with the exceptional staff at Kocurek to maximize the potential of each of our students!

Larry Frier Principal Kocurek Elementary

Assistant Principal's Message

I'm thrilled to be joining the Kocurek Koala family as your Assistant Principal. My passion for education stems from a deep belief that all students deserve equitable opportunities to learn and grow. Together, we can create a school environment where every child feels valued, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential. 

I discovered my passion for teaching in 2009 while working as a middle school science teacher. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to teach in diverse settings, including elementary ESL, alternative education, high school chemistry in Uganda, English in Vietnam, and gifted and talented programs. I also had the privilege of serving as a principal resident at Kocurek Elementary in the fall of 2021, through the Texas Principal Leadership Academy. I’m thrilled to be returning to this wonderful school community.

When I’m not at campus, I enjoy spending time with my family (and trying to keep up with my energetic toddler), attempting different crafts, and indulging in my love of reading.

I look forward to working with you to create an educational community where every child feels empowered to be a curious learner, a responsible citizen, and a compassionate individual. Let's have an amazing year!

Amanda Lengnick-Hall, Assistant Principal