Instructor Spotlight: Chiao-chiao Liu|Chinese Culture And Community Service Center

January 12, 2021

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what has inspired you to be a teacher?

My father was an English professor; English was my major in college; it all seems to me that I was meant to be an English teacher.  After being in IT field for many years, I am glad I came back to the education field, being an ESOL teacher is my destiny. 


What are the biggest challenges you face as an ESOL teacher?

Being an ESOL teacher to teach adult learners is very different from teaching middle school students. Generally speaking, adult learners are more willing to take the time and effort to learn English, but they need more encouragement.


What has teaching remotely during a global pandemic taught you?

Our ESOL program had to stop in early March of 2020 due to COVID-19. At that time, we did not have any experience in “Distance Learning”. Then thanks to Zoom; we learn to use Zoom and all of our ESOL programs were back on schedule by April of 2020 until now, and going stronger. 


What advice would you give to a new ESOL teacher or volunteer?

Passion and preparation are the key. Keep your passion in teaching, your students can feel that even remotely. Teaching remotely is very different from teaching in-person.  The more preparation one has the better, easier, interesting and fun it will be to teach.


What have been your favorite pastimes during COVID-19?

Listening to music and learning Chinese folk dance through Zoom have always been my favorite pastimes. During COVID-19, I enjoy researching and preparing ESOL class online and have learned a lot about designing games for students, such as crossword puzzle, Bingo, Kahoot, etc. They are so much fun.  

             

What do you find most rewarding about your work?

Since I am teaching the adult learners, besides helping them in learning English, we have established friendship.  I am glad that I have made many good friends.


What is something you learned about your students during this remote teaching period?

There is a Chinese proverb saying, “Learning while teaching”.  Since my adult students were immigrants, even though they are not very good at English, but some of them were top on their fields. I found out one student was a musician, a great singer and a pianist. Another one is an artist, he even has his own art studio. One student is a Taichi master.  I am learning more from my ESOL students. 
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.” ๏ปฟ "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.