Michelle Benson is a professional development designer and consultant for Center for Responsive Schools (CRS), working with teachers and school districts throughout the United States and the international school community. She began her education career as a middle school English/language arts teacher. Prior to joining CRS full time, Michelle served as a secondary curriculum specialist for eight years in a rural school district in North Carolina. Her passion throughout 17 years in education has been ensuring all students receive a high-quality education through great teaching and learning. Michelle aims to inspire, empower, and transform teachers to understand the power and balance of academic, social, and emotional learning for students. When she is not training and coaching teachers in Responsive Classroom practices, Michelle likes to spend time with her husband and two children, relaxing on the beach and traveling with friends.