Tables or Technology?

March 26, 2021

We are approaching another set of holidays where, in pre-pandemic times, sitting together with family and friends around a table for a Seder dinner or Easter brunch was a typical and special part of the celebrations. Gathering at tables was essential.


Over the last year, we have substituted technology for tables. We’ve gathered in squares on screens—Zoom Seders, Thanksgiving and Christmas Zoom meals and celebrations; you name it, we have Zoomed it. Technology has helped us remain connected to important life events. I have attended a Zoom wedding and a Zoom memorial service, and I have friends who attended a Zoom bris! Having access to technology and the ability to innovate has salvaged some sense of interconnectedness, especially for major life events.


MCAEL’s work has moved to solutions based on distance learning and technology. What has become obvious to me for the future is that we should not be making choices about gatherings in “either/or” terms , that is, either in person or virtually.. Instead, we should be thinking in “and” terms: how do we maximize the positives of being in person and using on-line tools?


While technology has allowed new learners to join classes, especially young parents, for whom the on-line class structure has reduced the childcare, transportation, and time challenges they face. However, many others do not have reliable WiFi or computers that are necessary to fully participate in classes. Further, to build relationships, conduct pre- and post-testing, and support learners, there is still a need for in-person time. As I see it, the next steps are not to decide “when we are going back 100%” for everything, but rather how we integrate online and in person experiences to expand inclusivity, leverage time, and create safe spaces for our work and our celebrations. One can imagine a class that meets at the beginning and end of the session and perhaps one time in the middle as needed. 


I certainly do miss the table gatherings. I miss setting a dinner table and I miss setting a meeting table. We will be back at in person tables and we will have new hybrid models with which to work. The possibilities to serve more adult learners and connect in different ways are exciting.


As we work on this, I wish you all a Happy Easter and Passover and hope that you enjoy whatever gatherings and celebrations that are available safely to you now.

Kathy Stevens

Executive Director, MCAEL

A picture of Gerard Etienne, MCAEL's new Executive Director. He wears a navy-blue suit.

A Letter from MCAEL's New Executive Director

By Emma Starr • May 21, 2025
Dear MCAEL Community, It is such an honor to be joining you as MCAEL’s new Executive Director. With my many years of mission-driven work rooted in Montgomery County – and as an English language learner myself – I could not be more thrilled to join this amazing staff and network of programs. I’ve known MCAEL for years through my work in the county, both at Interfaith Works and most recently as Chief Program & Innovation Officer at the Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA). But after just two weeks on the job at MCAEL, I’ve gained an even deeper understanding of the breadth of work that we do – and the impact that we have on the lives of so many. Not speaking English affects your life in almost every way, from asking for directions or help in a store to securing employment and an education. I speak from experience. I was a young teenager when my family moved to the United States. Not knowing how to speak the language, I had to navigate not only a new country, but eighth grade in an American middle school (arguably challenging even for native speakers). At a time when some of our learners are afraid to come to class, we need to stand tall and continue to do what we have always done – offer pathways to a better quality of life through English learning, and to support our strong network of programs in doing so. I am excited to take on this work and I look forward to meeting all of you through planned visits to programs, as well as at meetings and community events. I welcome your phone calls, emails, and visits! Please reach out at any time – I would love it. Warmly, Gerard

MCAEL’s First-Ever Learner Celebration

By Emma Starr • May 14, 2025
One hundred and sixty-five people came out for food, performances, resources, and inspiring stories at MCAEL’s first-ever Celebration of English Learners last month. Attendees may have hailed from across the globe, but they shared common experiences as immigrants and English language learners. At the event, they had access to organizations offering services ranging from healthcare to legal advice – and all enjoyed an abundance of international food, and a lively program featuring the personal stories of learners and dance performances by Grupo Folklorico Internacional and CCACC Evergreen Martial Arts Health Dance Class. Representatives from the offices of Councilmembers Jawando and Mink presented a special citation, signed by the Council Education Committee, to Sonia Peñate, long-time volunteer (and former learner) from the Seneca Creek Community Church ESOL program. Kanidiengue Kone, who moved to the US from the Ivory Coast three years ago and currently serves as a member of MCAEL’s Learner Leadership Group, had these words for the crowd: “Today, I want to encourage you: keep going with your classes, even when it feels hard. Growth happens when we step outside of our comfort zone.”
Image of Gerard Etienne, MCAEL's New Executive Director.

MCAEL Welcomes Gerard J. P. Etienne as New Executive Director

By MCAEL • April 16, 2025
MCAEL is delighted to announce the appointment of Gerard J. P. Etienne as its new Executive Director. Gerard brings a depth of experience overseeing and growing large programs, most recently as Chief Program & Innovation Officer at the Jewish Council for the Aging (JCA). He will assume his new position at MCAEL on May 5, 2025. Gerard began his career as a mechanical engineer and then a management consultant for both small and large companies, focusing on intrapreneurship and innovation. He discovered his passion for mission-driven work through years of volunteering – leading him to a position as Director of the Vocational Services Program (VSP) at Interfaith Works, where he worked directly with immigrant job seekers, including non-English speakers, to help them overcome cultural and employment barriers. “Gerard brings a deep personal connection to MCAEL’s mission and a strong commitment to serving vulnerable and marginalized communities in Montgomery County,” said Sean Klein, MCAEL Board Chair. “His record of equity-centered leadership, along with his experience managing multidisciplinary teams and complex programs, make him the ideal choice to lead MCAEL into its next chapter.”  "I am thrilled and honored to serve as MCAEL'S next Executive Director,” Gerard stated. “As a long-time Montgomery County resident and someone with lived experience as an English learner, MCAEL'S mission is deeply personal to me. It's a privilege to give back to my community and to help expand opportunities for adult learners across our county." Gerard’s family moved to the United States when he was a teenager, and he entered the American school system speaking no English. A Montgomery County resident for almost 40 years, Gerard and his wife raised two sons here. He and his wife are both avid fans of Arsenal Football Club (they never miss a game). They live in Silver Spring with their dog, Doug.