Teacher Week: Classroom Tour

Hey friends! Wanna check out my classroom? Head over to Blog Hoppin' today and take my Classroom Tour.

Be sure to link up with us so we can see your space and check back tomorrow for SANITY SAVERS! Let's face it - we could all use a little savin'. Happy Wednesday!

Teacher Week: Make ahead Meals

Hey friends. Happy Tuesday! I'm back and blogging about "Make ahead Meals!" I'm linking up with Blog Hoppin' for teacher week and sharing my absolute favorite potato soup recipe. 

This recipe has been floating around Pinterest f.o.r.e.v.e.r. but I first tried it because I saw it on Pearls, Handcuffs, and Happy Hour. I was inspired and looking for easy Crock Pot meals and this fit the requirements. Little prep, can toss it in the morning of, and it's ready to go when I'm home. Not to mention - it is DELICIOUS! Here is what you need....

It's really the easiest meal to make and absolutely mouth watering. Everyone I've made it for has gone on and on about it and thinks I'm an awesome cook. Little do they know how simple it is. Shhhhh, don't tell. ;-) It's what's on the menu tomorrow. I hope you can add this to your meal plan and have dinner on the table when you get home from a long day in the classroom. It will be just the thing you need to hit the spot!! Be sure to link up with Blog Hoppin' and check out all the other fabulous "Make ahead Meal" suggestions. 

Teacher Week: 5 fun facts about me!

Hey everyone! I'm back and linking up with Blog Hoppin' for 5 fun facts about me. I am just getting warmed up for the week and am so excited to share my posts with you all. Be sure you check back each day and link up. Remember, you don't have to do a blog post each day! We have given you other ways to participate....you can read about that {here}. 

So, let's get started. Here's a little about me...

I'm a newlywed! Daniel and I got married on 7-11-15 and I'm now Mrs. Erin Lynch. Don't worry, I'll still be Eberhart's Explorers. ;-) We had the most magical and romantic day, shared with family and friends.  

I was blessed to have my sister and dearest friends by my side. They made my day enjoyable and took care of every little detail. I couldn't ask for better friends. 

Sweet Ava (my God child) took her job seriously as bell ringer and did a fabulous job notifying our guests that the "Bride was coming!" She told us all she would make sure Jensen (my nephew) got down the aisle and if not, she would drag him! ha ha 

After my husband and I got married, I left Tennessee and moved to North Carolina to Daniel's hometown. Daniel works for his family's business and was unable to leave the area. We bought a beautiful new home, in a nice neighborhood, and I've enjoyed decorating and making it ours. But, I'm not going to lie - - it has been tough! I am SUPER close with my family and leaving them (although it's only about 3 hours away) has been the hardest thing I've ever done. Homesickness is for REAL, ya'll! My family has been so good to come here on weekends and visit...and Daniel and I have made many trips back home, but it's not the same. I know it will get easier with time.

One of the reasons I can't stand being away from Tennessee is because I left these two guys behind. My nephews, Jensen and Beckett, who I am obsessed with. Literally, they are my WHOLE world. I cannot even imagine what it will be like when Daniel and I have our own kids. ha I call these little guys Foof and Fee and when I was home, I was just down the road. I went over to my sister's almost every day to visit. And don't be fooled - my husband is equally in love. Jensen loves his Big D and asks for him always. So thankful for facetime!

When I moved to North Carolina, I had to leave my beloved school and students. I was faced with the choice - classroom or something else? I had a tug on my heart and felt that maybe it was time to leave the classroom and go another direction. I had worked the past two summers for TNDOE as a Common Core Coach and LOVED it! The traveling, staff developments, collaboration, friendships, and ideas were enough to inspire. So when a job opened up for an Instructional Coach, in the county I now live in, I jumped on it! After an intense interview (2 hours long), I was notified that I got the job. I am thrilled to begin a new chapter and help teachers be successful in their classrooms! Any advice you can share with me?

I've personalized and painted things for YEARS! At one point, in college, I was personalizing and painting items for 4 small businesses in town. Whether it was ornaments or chalkboards, it kept me busy and was good extra money. Since then, I've just dabbled on the side. While I'm no Cara Carroll....ha ha....I try. Here are some other boards I've personalized. I always dreamt I would have my own shop or sell on Etsy - maybe one day, I will! Anyone want to place an order? 

So there you have it! Those are a few fun facts about me and I cannot wait to hear all about YOU! Be sure to link up on Blog Hoppin' and I'll be back tomorrow for Make Ahead Meals.

Teacher Week 2015

Hey friends! Lord have mercy...it's been a while! I am so sorry. I really, really want to get better about blogging and have it become a part of my daily weekly routine. But, I just can't manage to fit it all in. A lot has happened since I've blogged last, but I'm going to save ALL of that for later! :) For years, I have loved linking up with Blog Hoppin' during Teacher Week and it's that time again! So excited!! Here is what we have planned...

This year, we are making it easier to participate. We've chosen fun topics for each day and given you different ways to connect with us. Here is what you can do...

1. Classroom Blog: Write a blog post and link up at Blog Hoppin,'

2. Instagram: Don't have time to write a blog post? Just share a picture on instagram and tag Blog Hoppin'. Make sure you use the hashtag #teacherweek15.

3. Periscope: Are you on it? Such an easy way to share pics of your classroom or some fun facts about yourself! Let your followers know that you'll be participating so we can watch. 

4. Facebook: Maybe you don't have a blog, but have some great things to share! Make sure you head over to Blog Hoppin's facebook page, on the day you share, and leave a comment.

There you have it! Four easy ways to participate. Connect with us, celebrate with us, and let us get to know you. We are super anxious for Teacher Week and I'm looking forward to learning more about you all. Happy Teaching!

Teacher week: Where

Hey friends. I am bound and determined to do a post everyday this week for Teacher Week! Fingers crossed that I make it happen. ha Today is all about WHERE you teach and of course, I'm linking up with my sweet friends at Blog Hoppin'.

So here is my classroom. You can read about my drastic transformation and painting it {here}. I would NOT recommend doing that yourself. If I would have had the funds, I would have hired it done. Lord.have.mercy! It was a ton of work. I wanted my classroom to be crisp, clean, and warm. Obviously, during the school year....I spend more time at school than I do at home so it is important for me to feel comfortable there as well as my students. Well...what are you waiting for? C'mon in...

When setting up your classroom, I would recommend checking out Spaces and Places by Debbie Diller. She suggests that you should draw out a diagram of your classroom first and use sticky notes as furniture. Move the sticky notes around on paper before actually moving the furniture. Your back and janitor will appreciate. 

This is my view from the back corner. I have one green accent wall and love it!

This is my view from the front of my room. I have 2 closets in the back and my teacher area/desk is to the right. My classroom rug was funded through Donor's Choose and has been a total blessing!!

This is my Writing Center. My students beg to visit this station! The Writer's Eye posters are from the fabulous Cara Carroll.

One of my big projects, when redoing my room, was painting all of my shelves. I wanted everything to be uniformed throughout. So I painted all of my shelves and closet doors black and kept the bulletin board paper/border the same! :) I just think it makes things "flow."

My library center is my favorite! To me - - it's just dying for a student to come sit a while and read a book. It's inviting, cozy, and fun!

I spent all last summer organizing my books and labeling them.  It has made my classroom library so much more functional and helped to keep my books in order! Although it took a ton of time, I am beyond thankful I made it a personal goal. 

Well - - I hope you enjoyed the tour! Be sure to link up and stop back by tomorrow for the WHY. See ya then. 

Teacher Week: WHO

Hey everyone! Can you believe it's already here!!? Teacher Week 2014! Whoo hoo. 

Today marks week 3 of my school year. That's right!! Three weeks into the school year already - we went back EARLY! Whatever happened to starting after Labor Day?! ha ha I am already looking forward to Fall Break, praying for snow days, and counting down until Summer of 2015. Anyone with me? All funny stuff aside, I love what I do and have such a sweet group of students this year. Anyways....onward with Teacher Week. 

Today, all of my friends at Blog Hoppin' want to know WHO you are! Don't be shy! ;-) This is your time to tell us all about YOU!

As you know, my name is Erin Eberhart. My last name is pronnounced with a short e. Although, my northern Grandmother would say different. Ha Sadly, it can be a mouthful with Kindergarteners and I've gotten "Neverhart," "Earnhardt," "Airhart," along with many others...ha! It can be quite comical. She would not approve.

JOB

This summer, I landed a job with the State Department as a Common Core Coach and I absolutely loved it! The opportunity, the travel, the collaboration, friends, etc. It was a wonderful experience and I hope to continue doing it each summer. During our training, I was fortunate enough to meet our governor and have a Q/A session with him and the coaches. You can imagine the questions asked from a room full of educators! ha He is a brave soul. Questions like: will we get a raise, what about state mandated PreK, is Common Core here to stay, etc?! It was intense, but interesting. After my training, I spent the month of June traveling and educating teachers on Common Core. I spent many weeks in classrooms conducting sessions on writing and math practices. One of my sessions was in a high school biology room and in the middle of my class, I heard laughing. I immediately paniced. Was there something in my teeth? Did I goof up? Nope, just 2 skeletons behind me, groping one another!! ha ha Can you see it in the photo? Yup! I'm sure some high school boys got a good laugh. Nice...

I was fortunate enough to be selected as my school's 2013 K-4 teacher of the year. I was honored and shocked! I was even more thrilled to receive a call from our assistant superintendent saying I had been selected as Washington County's teacher of the year for 2013-2014. What?!?! I went on to fill out my paperwork for the state and found out I placed 2nd regionally and missed the vote by 3 points. One of the judges said it was so close, they re-counted just to be sure but Congratulated me for being so close. Someone pinch me.

LOVE LIFE...

I have the sweetest boyfriend EVER- Daniel. He is everything I have prayed for in a man...truly. I went through a tough break up last January and had my heart broken. I had never been so hurt before. Looking back, I am beyond thankful for unanswered prayers and know that it was all part of God's perfect plan for me and my life. He has absolutely filled my life with joy and made my heart whole again. I am beyond thankful for Daniel and know (without a doubt) that he is my husband. I'm just waiting on that rock! ha Kidding....kinda. ;-)

HOME LIFE...

In the midst of all that and a busy school year last year, I bought a condo and moved. I know, I know! Why not be completely overwhelmed?! lol I have loved the way my vision for my home came together. It's the perfect mix of eclectic - old with new. And I am thrilled! I have my southern antique look, along with my Pottery Barn couch, and French Country feel! ha It's so warm and cozy and makes me look forward to coming home each day. 

FAMILY & FRIENDS...

As many of my faithful followers know....I have a nephew who I am OBSESSED with. You can read about him {here}. ha I have one sibling, a sister, who is 12 months and 12 days younger than me. People often think Emily and I are twins (which I have NO clue why) but they do?! You be the judge. Here is a shot, from the back of my Mom's camera, at my cousin's wedding last weekend. Thoughts?

She is my best friend and we are very similar in a lot of ways. When her and my brother in law broke the news to me that they were expecting, I boo hooed! Seriously people, like "ugly girl cried!" I was thrilled. Jensen Russell is my world and I joke that he is MY baby because he has so many of my traits. She just carried him for 9 months and birthed him! ;-) She, however, is not a fan of that joke. Not sure why??

I have a classroom pet, Gertie, who is a total DIVA! She is a local celebrity and has had 2 full page spreads in the local newspaper, been on the evening news, AND is working on a book deal. No joke. She is a rockstar and was purchased through a grant called Pets in the Classroom. You can read more about my piggy {here}. Total ham. No pun intended.

I recently turned 30, less than a month ago, and was worried that it would be difficult for me. Ha, nope! It was seriously the BEST birthday ever. My family has pretty much made it their goal in life to embarrass me whenever possible. So....behold the town marquee. Family - 1, Erin - 0. ha ha

Speaking of family, here is the familia. They are the best and I am beyond blessed with support, love, advice, help, and friendship.

And ya'll, I can NOT say this enough. I seriously get by with the help of my friends. I have such a great group of friends....both near and far. I am so thankful for the friendships I've made through blogging and the friendships I have here at home. They're always here for me, no matter what! 

Shew. Enough about me. Gah! I want to hear about YOU! Be sure to join in on the fun and link up at Blog Hoppin'. Here's the schedule for the rest of the week. Happy Monday!