The struggle is real - teaching and learning can be challenging from either perspective. How to use CRSSP strategies to make teaching and learning more engaging. Dedicating her adult life to inspiring her students with discovering their strengths and inspiring personal growth, not only as learners, but as people. Wholeheartedly believing learning can, and should be, both rigorous and fun. Michele started her educational career as a speech/language pathologist and 18 years teaching 3rd grade. For the past 16 years, she has been a well known and respected gifted/talented/enrichment specialist at the elementary school level, challenging students in grades K - 4. During the height of COVID, she spent one year back in the classroom, teaching 4th grade. Michele is involved with Odyssey of the Mind program. She has helped hundreds of students in grades K - 12 improve their creative problem solving skills. For several years, Michele also served as the Director for Camp Invention, a summertime STEM camp. Currently, Michele teaches watercolor painting classes, is an avid crafter, and is very active in her church community. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx