CLG a MCAEL Bridge

June 28, 2021

MCAEL is working with local organizations to create Community Learning Groups (CLGs), learning spaces that connect learners and community members to ESOL (sometimes for the first time) in their communities. An important part of MCAEL’s Racial Equity Strategic Plan, the CLG program focuses on two objectives: 1) helping more adults in East County and other areas with fewer English classes to find a pathway to improving their English skills, and 2) increasing the number and diversity of trained adult ESOL instructors.  

The 9-week CLG ESOL class model builds on existing social ties, working with key community leaders to introduce ESOL to learners through a trusted point of contact. Participants meet at a convenient place (or online) and time that best suits the group. At the end of the introductory class, each participant goes through a “case-management” process and are referred to existing community-based classes where they can continue their learning, based on their individual needs and circumstances. 

In the past 5 months, MCAEL has piloted two CLG classes, partnering with Identity, Inc. (10-week class, ran February – March) and Kings and Priests Court International Ministries – City of Light Helping Hands (9-week class, ran April – June). Lessons learned from these two pilots about the curriculum, pace and length of class are invaluable, and have been incorporated into plans for the next CLG classes to start in July. In post-class surveys, participants reported an increase in confidence using English, and the majority have enrolled in another class to continue their study.  

In May 2021, with the help of East County-based organizations, MCAEL recruited and selected individuals from local immigrant communities to train as CLG instructors. Topics in the custom 4-week (16-hour) training program offered in May/June included: adult learning theory and principles; learner-centered teaching techniques; and online learning/teaching. Six participants successfully completed the course and will teach CLG classes to take place this summer; MCAEL will provide them with information on further TESOL training and career advice. Congratulations to Abebech Tebeje, Abiodun Olatunji, Clara Ekeke, Jocelyn Matenje, Mariame Koita, and Soffie Ceesay!

The CLG’s are a bridge to the ESOL network in Montgomery County that help expand access for learners where programming is not readily available and training for community members to teach adult ESOL, especially those that are representative of their communities. These groups will break barriers to learning by warmly handing-off new learners to local organizations, while opening new opportunities for community involvement.

By Kayla O'Neil July 11, 2025
MCAEL is excited to welcome Alina Ramirez Joyner to the Board of Directors. Alina brings extensive experience as a consultant, advising senior leaders in government, private industry, and nonprofits on corporate social responsibility, community investment, and multicultural engagement strategies in both Mexico and the United States. She serves as Chair of Community and Inclusion in an educational setting, as a financial stewardship advisor, and as a civic community engagement coordinator in Bethesda, MD, where she leads initiatives to foster connection, transparency, and financial sustainability within local communities. Her professional path has included work with domestic and international organizations such as the Embassy of Mexico, the Washington, DC Mayor’s Office on Latino Affairs, CBS Radio, the Mexican Secretariat of Communications and Transportation, Mexico’s Electoral Institute, and various civic and local organizations. She's also collaborated with clients like National Geographic and leading healthcare systems including MedStar Health, Inova, and Adventist HealthCare. “As an immigrant myself, I understand both the challenges and the possibilities of navigating new systems—a perspective that fuels my dedication to advancing language access, inclusion, and fairness as essential tools for community growth and individual success,” said Alina, who is originally from Mexico City. “I integrate global strategy, risk management, and sustainable operations to design systemic solutions that empower individuals and strengthen communities, minimizing resource inefficiencies and accelerating social progress. “Joining MCAEL’s Board is an exciting opportunity for me to help harness the transformative power of language to build connections, create a sense of belonging, and open doors for individuals and communities alike. I’m inspired by MCAEL’s mission and look forward to applying my experience in community engagement, fundraising, and cross-sector collaboration to help strengthen and sustain the organization’s impact.” Outside of work, Alina loves exploring art, history, and the outdoors, especially hiking with her family and their dog.
By Gerard Etienne July 8, 2025
Something important struck me during our recent end-of-year convening of program instructors and administrators. It was a day of celebration, sharing, connecting, brainstorming, and problem-solving – all centered on two fundamental questions: How can we serve our learners better? And how can we improve? The passion and dedication in that room were palpable. What struck me was how deeply everyone cares about this work: it matters to them. It matters to all of us. But as the day progressed, I realized something: many of the English learners in the programs we support may not know just how many people are cheering them on. They may not see the full village behind them – rooting for their success. Everyone in the picture above is part of that village – and they’re only a small fraction of it. Across Montgomery County, program administrators, instructors, volunteers, elected officials, and organizations involved in ESOL instruction are all working toward the same goal: helping our learners achieve the English proficiency they need to improve their financial stability, thrive in their communities, and feel a genuine sense of belonging. So, to all our English learners: even though you may never meet any of us, please know that you are not alone. We are rooting for you. We are cheering you on. We want you to succeed. In today’s political climate, that’s a message we must repeat – and amplify.
By Kairy Castro Barrios June 18, 2025
Last Friday, June 13th, 2025, MCAEL hosted its End-of-Year Celebration & Sharing Session, attended by adult English Instructors and program staff representing 24 programs from the MCAEL network. This End-of-Year Celebration was designed to bring ESOL professionals together to celebrate their dedication and commitment to helping a community of non-native English speakers learn English as a second language, thereby supporting them in their daily lives. Their passion for teaching English as a second language contributed to everyone's eagerness to share the ways their lessons work, teaching methods that engage learners, and identifying the specific instruction skills they'd like to develop. One English instructor mentioned that, towards the end of class, she plays "Hangman" with the learners to help with spelling words; so far, no one has been hanged!  All English instructors and program staff share a common goal: to make a difference in their communities and make a direct impact on those around them. During this celebration, they were asked, “what inspired you to work in the ESOL field?" Instructors mentioned that enabling a community to learn English empowers them to grow and better integrate themselves within society. Brenda Voit, an ESOL instructor at the nonprofit Identity, mentioned that she is an English instructor who fulfills community needs and is passionate about the work she does. Christine Patton; an ESOL teacher at JSSA, spoke about her family’s personal experience emigrating from Germany to the United States and the shared frustrations of not knowing English, as well as navigating that experience in their daily lives. Christine views Montgomery County’s ability to provide free and accessible English classes as a reassuring sign of support. This invaluable resource can make a difference in the lives of many, creating a vibrant, growing coalition of Adult English learners. Kairy Castro Barrios MCAEL Intern