Community Partnerships

January 23, 2019

MCAEL and MCPS


Collaboration and connection between organizations and agencies that serve residents helps increase access to English classes that our immigrant neighbors want and need. Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) is a key partner to MCAEL. We want to thank the Board of Education for hearing testimony from MCAEL last month.

Public schools are a hub not only for educating our young residents – schools have opened their doors to host English classes for parents as well. Programs like Casa's Life Skills program or Linkages to Learning's Adult English Literacy program for parents, host rigorous evening programs for adults. Immigrant families are setting goals and are going back to school together.

Programs like these are key to success for kids and adults. Quality instruction leads to educational outcomes for adults just as it does for children. One of the key indicators of a child’s success in school is their parents’ (in particular mother’s) literacy.

Some of MCAEL’s current work vis-à-vis the schools:

  • Funding for programs that are focused on MCPS parents through programs like Linkages to Learning Adult ESOL classes and George B. Thomas Saturday School classes.
  • Many MCAEL funded programs such as the Literacy Council of Montgomery County and CASA reserve space for evening classes at MCPS high schools.
  • MCPS ESOL teachers attend MCAEL Professional Development Institute workshops and trainings, as well as use the Provider Directory to refer parents to classes. https://mcael.org/providers 

Looking ahead to our continued work together:
MCAEL has a new strategic plan ( https://mcael.org/sites/default/files/mcael_strategic_plan_2018-2021.pdf ) which includes a goal to increase the number of adults served each year from 15,000 to 21,000 by 2021. We are working to increase access points to meet adults’ needs, such as opportunities to bring classes to working adults at their places of employment and to support our youngest community members through early care workers and their parents.

Our data shows that women outnumber men in MCAEL classes by about 2:1. The average age of women in these classes is 38.  If we were to match that with MCPS data, it stands to reason that many of the women in MCAEL classes have school age children.  Our mutual goals and successes are tied together.

MCAEL is often contacted by PTA presidents and other parents and teachers with inquiries about starting classes for parents at schools. We look forward to continued work with MCPS to identify areas of need and connect MCAEL programs with those schools in need.

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.