Sustainable Classrooms Coordinator

Erin Bloom serves as the Sustainable Classrooms Coordinator with Urban Green Lab. Our programs focus on bringing a lens of sustainability into any classroom by building educator confidence, providing tools, and cultivating a community of learners that will turn classrooms into labs of learning about sustainable living.

Originally from the Middle Tennessee area, Erin lived in Dickson and Montgomery County before finally settling here in Davidson County in 2016. She is always seeking to learn more about the natural history and native biodiversity in the area, connecting with others across the state to learn more and educate herself.

Erin received her B.S. in Biology from Austin Peay State University (APSU) and started her career as a high school biology teacher before returning to APSU for her M.S. in Biology. Her time and research there eventually led her to publish her thesis work that described a new species of crayfish in the Red River system of TN and KY.

Prior to joining Urban Green Lab, Erin worked at Volunteer State Community College (VSCC) and was a faculty member there for 8 years. She was an Associate Professor of Biology in the Math and Science Division, where she taught a variety of Biology and Environmental Science courses during her tenure. She also served as the course coordinator for several courses where she regularly developed and implemented data-driven curriculum changes. She has experience embedding active learning techniques, trauma-informed instruction, and High Impact Practices into her courses, focusing her efforts on engaging students and supporting their growing passions and interests. Erin also served as the Coordinator of the Teaching and Learning Center at VSCC since its creation in the Spring of 2020. She coordinated the development, promotion, implementation, and assessment of professional and personal development opportunities provided across the college and all its campuses.

When not working she enjoys reading a good book, improving her birding skills, assembling Legos, spending time with her dogs, and traveling with her husband.