Instructor Spotlight: Jill Smudski |Rockville Seniors, Inc

April 12, 2021

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

I became a teacher somewhat accidentally, when I was given a teaching fellowship in my graduate program in computer science. I really liked it, and went on to have several computer science teaching jobs. Later, when my kids had all moved out, I came back to teaching when I volunteered with the Literacy Council of Montgomery County. I discovered that I love ESOL and love working with adults.


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

The biggest challenge is to recognize when my teaching style is a mismatch with a student’s learning style. Especially when the student is communicating with a reduced English vocabulary, it can be difficult to find successful teaching techniques. It’s also challenging to work with a group of students who have different levels of English proficiency.


What has teaching remotely during a global pandemic taught you? 

I have discovered that my students are much more resourceful and motivated than I had ever thought!  They have been eager to learn how to manage the technology, and I think that has given them a confidence boost that carries over to their English learning.


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

I think the most important skill a teacher can have is the ability to really listen to the student. It sometimes takes critical listening to understand what the student is really asking, or really misunderstanding. I also think it’s valuable to admit when you don’t know the answer to a question. To show you are also willing to learn something will help build a stronger connection with the students.


What have been your favorite pastimes during COVID-19? 

I’ve always done handwork; sewing, knitting, crocheting. I’ve been able to work on more projects; it’s been a way to enjoy the time that I’ve had to spend staying at home.


What do you find most rewarding about your work? 

Of course, it’s always rewarding to know that I’ve helped someone learn and grow in their English mastery.  But more than that, I really enjoy building a relationship with my students.  Having that connection brings depth to our communication, and it’s also just fun to learn about what my students have done in their lives.


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

In a way, teaching online has helped to strengthen my connections with my students.  On Zoom, I see them sitting in their homes, see what is in their environment, as they can see what is in mine. This gives us both a more immediate sense of what our lives are like outside of the “classroom,” and also gives us more to talk about!  I’ve been blessed to have a great group of students to work with during this time. 
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.