Hi, I’m Bethany—former teacher, accidental homesteader, and the creative mind behind Maple & Hen! My journey started in the middle school classroom, where I quickly learned that teaching is equal parts education and survival. When I stepped away to stay home with my kids, I picked up photography and fell in love with Photoshop (because let’s be honest, editing out chaos is a life skill and frankly, I enjoyed the challenge). Photography gave me the flexibility I needed—until COVID shut everything down and I had to pivot, fast. To make ends meet, I launched an e-commerce shop, starting with apparel. But before long, I found myself right back where I belonged—creating classroom resources, bulletin boards, and decor that help teachers transform their spaces. What started as a necessity quickly became a passion, and before I knew it, I was back in my happy place—helping teachers.
Now, I design engaging, visually stunning resources that make classrooms shine. Whether it’s a bulletin board that sparks curiosity, a set of posters that make history come alive, or decor that turns a classroom into a space students love, my goal is to save teachers time while making their walls the envy of the school.
When I’m not designing, I’m pretending to run a mini farm on our five acres. I tap maple trees on our property, our hens keep us stocked with fresh eggs, and my sourdough starter makes me look like a superhero to my kids and husband (even though it’s literally just flour and water!). We also have an energetic Vizsla and three farm cats who roam around as the wind blows.
At the end of the day, I believe education should open students’ eyes to a world bigger than their own—and I love creating resources that help teachers do just that. So, if you’re ready to level up your classroom decor and make learning more engaging, I’ve got just the thing for you!
...Continued!
Click on each photo to follow my journey!
My Story
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I have a M.Ed. and am Permanently certified to teach in New York State. Before our kids were born, I taught elementary through middle school, including 6th-8th grade math. My husband is currently a middle school teacher...Our combined experiences in the classroom give me a deep understanding of what teachers need—engaging, time-saving resources that make learning visually impactful.
My Teaching Background
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Photography was more than just a job for me—it was pure joy. Capturing moments, playing with light, and creating something meaningful for people brought me a sense of fulfillment I never expected. When COVID threw a wrench in everything, I had to pivot fast. Thanks to my new love for Photoshop and design, and my teaching background, I was able to take those skills and turn them into something new—creating classroom decor, printables, and educational resources that still let me do what I love: create.
The Bridge Between...
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You'll find a lot of my resources celebrate inclusion, representation, and the unique strengths of every student. Growing up with a brother who has Down syndrome taught me the importance of accepting and valuing people of all abilities, backgrounds, and experiences. It shaped my belief that every person deserves to be seen, heard, and respected, and that diversity in all forms—neurological, cultural, physical, and beyond—enriches our world.
The Heart of Inclusion
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I’m creating educational resources that help teachers save time, stay relevant, and make their classrooms feel like a place where every student belongs. I get to blend my teaching background, love for design, and passion for inclusivity into something that makes a real impact. Every day, I get to create resources that educate, inspire, and bring classrooms to life, all while working from home, being creative, and doing something that genuinely makes a difference. It’s the perfect mix of everything I love.
So here I am!
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I believe that every student—no matter their background, ability, or story—deserves to see themselves represented on the walls around them.
I believe that teachers have enough on their plates, and if I can save you time with ready-to-go, beautiful classroom decor, I’ve done my job.
I believe teachers deserve resources that make them look like superheroes, even when they’re running on caffeine and sheer willpower.
I believe that when parents walk into your classroom on Open House night, they should say, “Wow, this looks amazing!” instead of, “Oh… nice.”
I believe that a well-designed classroom doesn’t just look good—it sets the tone for learning, sparks curiosity, and makes students feel seen.
I believe:
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Want more? My best stuff is in my shops. Check them out!