I love teacher ASL. I have only taught American Sign Language," said Smith. Smith is one of 45 educators nationwide selected for the award, created by philanthropist Lowell Milken.

SPOKANE, Wash. – At Ferris High School, a unique classroom experience is unfolding as students immerse themselves in American Sign Language (ASL) and deaf culture.

With ASL, I expected to feel similarly, and thought fluency would come once I collected a critical mass of signs. ... I once asked a teacher how to sign the word “desperate.” ...