Tangrams for Beginners: Integrating Math and Art to Make Your Own Puzzles

Hello Learners! My name is Corrie Bowman Ostrem and I have been a full-time, certified teacher for 24 years teaching grades 2-7. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Montana State University-Billings. I specialize in Gifted education and have extensive experience with math and science curriculums in these grade levels. I have taught grade K-12 as a substitute teacher prior to my regular teaching career. Additionally, I have worked as a private tutor over the last 10 years and have taught for an online ESL learning company in China for the two years. My experience teaching has been in both the state of Arizona and Montana, and at a private bilingual German/ English school in Berlin, Germany (3 years). I have extensive knowledge and training in the Common Core Curriculum and standardized testing platforms, but also have a great passion for extending the learning and creativity of gifted and motivated students. I have successfully taught over 3,500 lessons online to students from around the world. After school, I have coached math clubs, science bowls, science fairs, foreign language, art, film, architecture, and game-based clubs.


I have extensive experience teaching the full elementary spectrum of standards including the subjects of math, science, language arts, writing, reading, social studies, and art. My passions are in math and science fields, although I typically use a cross curricular approach to integrate all the subject areas into lessons. I believe in student choice and passion-based learning and am willing to tailor my teaching based on student interest or need. I believe all content and standards can be taught in a fun, interactive, and engaging themes, making learning much more fun and memorable. I have a strong desire to help kids reach their full potential and strive to provide opportunities for students to dive deeper into topics, go beyond the typical classroom standards, and develop a love of learning at an early age.

Personally, I am a wife, mother, and dog-mom. I love the outdoors and can often be found boating, fishing, or camping. I have a son, two step sons, and two enormous labrador retrievers who keep me as busy as my children! Education is both a passion and hobby for me. I love my job and could not see myself doing anything else as a career! I hope to see you in the classroom soon!