Instructor Spotlight: Lidia Almidon | Drop-in ESOL at Maryvale Elementary School, Rockville Recreation and Parks Foundation

February 11, 2021

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

My name is Lidia Almidon and I was born in Lima, Peru. I live in Gaithersburg, MD. I graduated from Montgomery College and University of Maryland. My hobbies are cooking, painting, and dancing. What inspires me to be a teacher is the magic of the process of learning and sharing knowledge and giving the students the opportunity to acquire a new language and reaching their own goals. It is just amazing. I was inspired by my mother Ines and my First-Grade teacher Carmen Rosa.


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

The challenges I face are in person interaction with students and their difficulties of trying to concentrate while learning at home.


What has teaching remotely during a global pandemic taught you? 

Teaching remotely has taught me to be more patient with the use of technical connectivity mishaps and mostly to connect with my students and build relationships among my students. The sense of community and the capacity of the students to overcome their fears that it is possible to learn using technology.


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

I will humbly just say that having the drive and motivation to serve one another. It is intrinsically gratifying and to be a part in the process of a student’s journey to learn to speak, write and read English is so important. Being patient, supportive and encouraging will help us in this journey.


What have been your favorite pastimes during COVID-19? 

My favorite pastimes during these challenging times are painting, cooking, creating new recipes and writing poems and journals for a long-awaited writing project.


What do you find most rewarding about your work? 

Teaching for me is allowing myself to encourage another being to fulfill their individual goal to learn English. It is rewarding personally and professionally. I strongly believe that being a teacher can touch a student life forever.


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

I learned that my students are caring and look after one another and help one another. The respect, care and admiration and gratefulness are constant. Their energy is vital in the midst of any circumstance. I admire their perseverance, hard work and resilience but most of all their love to learn and thankful heart. 
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.