Danyel Smith’s work as an American Sign Language (ASL) teacher at Alta Loma High School (ALHS) is essential to the inclusivity and educational accessibility for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community both in and out of school. Smith has been instrumental in the growth of the school’s ASL program; she prepares students for success in careers, such as teaching or interpreting, and sparks their desire to further their language studies in college.
Smith differentiates her instruction to suit every level of ASL learner, from beginners to advanced students, many of whom earn the California State Seal of Biliteracy. With ASL considered as an approved world language course for credit at a California public university, Smith opened a pathway for students to earn college credits through an articulation agreement with Mt. San Antonio Community College. She ignites students’ passion for ASL early, developing relationships with nearby elementary and middle schools through events such as “Sprouting Signers,” which allows her students to teach ASL to visiting elementary schoolers. Smith’s students enact their signing skills through Christmas caroling with the choir, signing the national anthem at school assemblies, and providing ASL translation for school events. Smith’s ASL level one (beginning) class has a 98% pass rate – with over 55% of incoming ALHS students choosing to take ASL year after year to fulfil their world language credit.
As the ALHS World Language Department chair, Smith oversees the ASL and Spanish programs. She supports her ASL team by ensuring curriculum is aligned across campuses, encouraging collaboration across campuses, mentoring new ASL teachers, and leading professional development workshops on inclusive education practices and ASL. She also created an ASL professional learning community and implemented the use of Avant Assessments districtwide to test students’ ASL proficiency.
Outside of the classroom, Smith is a strong advocate for her students. She serves as an ASL club advisor, Link Crew trainer, and freshman orientation leader. Connecting with incoming deaf and hard-of-hearing students early, she greets them at freshman orientation, assists with their class schedules and access to interpreting services, and makes herself a known, trusted resource for their families.
Smith earned a bachelor’s in American Sign Language studies from Western Oregon University in 2011 and a master’s in education from Azusa Pacific University in 2016. She holds a Master ASL Teacher Certification and a National Interpreter Certification.
Press Release: Lowell Milken Surprises Alta Loma Teacher with $25,000 Milken Educator Award for California
