To make pancakes, scrap out vanilla bean into a small sauce pan and add 1/2 cup milk with vanilla bean pod. Heat to a scald and set aside to let cool slightly.
In a medium bowl, combine whole wheat pastry flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl,whisk together with the maple syrup, eggs, and oil. Remove vanilla bean from milk and pour with egg mixture over dry ingredients. Stir just until combined-don’t over mix. If batter thickens too much (and isn’t easily pourable) and a bit more milk.
Heat a skillet over medium heat. When skillet is hot (if you flick water onto the skillet, it should sizzle), take about 1/4 cup of batter and pour onto skillet. Let cook for 1-2 minutes (until the pancakes begins to bubble slightly. Flip and let cook for another 1-2 minutes until pancake is cooked through.
To make pears, melt butter in a medium skillet. Core pears, slice into thin slices (around 1/16"), and add to butter. Stir in 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and continue to cook over medium-low heat until pears are soft. Add more maple syrup if you like a little extra sweetness.
Serve pancakes with a healthy scoop of pears, liquid, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.