Now that I have your attention, please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Dionne-Danielle Smith. Double first names can be a bit of a mouth full, so you can call me Ms. D in the classroom, and Dionne anywhere else. I was born and raised right here in Casa Grande, Arizona. Not only am I an English Language Arts Teacher, but I am an alumna as well. I graduated from Vista Grande High School in the year 2014, then I went to Arizona State University where I received both my bachelor’s and master's degrees. When I am not teaching ELA, I am usually with my friends and family, listening to true crime podcasats or at home reading a book. (Yes, I read books for fun). Why do I teach? Because it’s in my blood. My mother was a teacher before me. I teach because I want my students to know that they can be something great. I teach because I want to encourage kids to be creative and innovative, to strike out, and discover new ground.