Instructor Spotlight: Mariana Loayza|Catholic Charities

December 3, 2020
Mariana Loayzal of Catholic Charities

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

My name is Mariana Loayza. I have a master’s in social communication research from my country of origin, Peru. My career is in Teaching Language Methodology – Spanish, French, and English. My inspiration to teach comes from my parents – both who are university professors. I am certain my love and dedication to teaching is thanks to them.  As a mother of two boys – Nicolas age 8 and Sebastian age 6, I have learned that there is no better way to understand the role of a teacher than when you become a mom. So, my kids are my inspiration too. I dedicated myself to exclusively teaching ESOL when I come to reside in the U.S eleven years ago. Since then my love for teaching grew more than ever. 


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

One of the biggest challenges as an ESOL teacher is to always be ready to have an accurate answer to my learners’ questions. To be extremely prepared to solve their doubts in grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, etc. To help them face new challenges in their lives by using the language appropriately.


What has teaching remotely during a global pandemic taught you?

It has taught me more about compassion, empathy, and humanity. It has also taught me that student’s commitment in difficult times could be so rewarding and motivating for a teacher that classes can become even more enjoyable and rewarding for everybody. It has taught me that there are no limits for learning when there is a goal settled from the heart and your mind is open wide for new adventures.


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

I would tell them to always be kind, extremely patient and to give their hearts before, during and after class. Every student is immensely different and comes from diverse social, economic and educational backgrounds. We have a huge responsibility to guide them in this amazing path of learning.   


What have been your favorite pastimes during COVID-19?

My favorite pastimes during COVID-19 have been spending more quality time with my family, playing my guitar and piano, exercising in the mornings and chatting with my best friends at night.


What do you find most rewarding about your work?

The most rewarding thing about my work is to see how my students feel about themselves after each class. How happy and grateful they become when learning. They are my motivation to continue working hard and to make things better. I learn from them every single day and I think that is why a teacher’s heart and soul never grow older. 


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

I learned many things. The main one being is that they never stop trying. They never give up, despite fears of uncertain times and circumstances.  
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.