Instructor Spotlight: Megan Dry | Sheppard Pratt (Family Discover Center & Thriving Germantown)

October 29, 2021

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

I am the adult education instructor at Family Discovery Center in Rockville. I've been teaching ESOL to adults in the DC area for over seven years. I received my bachelor's degree from the Ohio State University - Go Buckeyes! Looking back on my own educational experience, there are only a handful of teachers that had a big impact of me as a student. Passionate and inspiring teachers can make or break a student's classroom experience, and I wanted to be that teacher that inspired students to continue learning and improving their skills. 


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

One of the biggest challenges of being an adult ESOL instructor is the many different backgrounds and education levels that the students bring to the class. Trying to pick a chapter book that is suitable for all students in the class can be quite a challenge! 


What has teaching remotely during a global pandemic taught you?

Teaching remotely during a global pandemic has reminded me of the importance of simple face to face interactions and the impact they have with building relationships with students. Since the beginning of the pandemic, we mostly have been virtual, but our students would stop by the center to pick up food, books, activity kits for their children, and other materials. We only saw the students for a few minutes, but those interactions allowed for us to get to know each other more and develop a better relationship beyond the computer screen. 


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

Expect the unexpected and have several simple activities available if needed. And just have fun! Play games, be silly, and laugh in class, and encourage students to do the same. I often feel like class can be a big game of Charades for me! 


What have been your favorite pastimes during COVID-19?

I started a garden about three years ago and it has grown larger each year. During the COVID-19 pandemic, gardening each night was a big stress reliever for me after working on the computer all day. 


What do you find most rewarding about your work?

I love seeing the growth students make in their personal lives, whether it's getting a driver's license or a new job, and how their growth has a positive impact on their family and community. Many of our students come from a culture that are very different, and seeing students become more adaptable and comfortable to living here in the U.S. is a great thing to see!  


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

Our program works with ESOL students who have a child under the age of four. Several of our students have a newborn baby at home! I am so proud of our students and their dedication to the class. It's not easy to attend a class virtually while having young children at home, plus having school-aged children attend school from home too! 


Tell us a little bit about yourself and what has inspired you to be a teacher?
I am the adult education instructor at Family Discovery Center in Rockville. I've been teaching ESOL to adults in the DC area for over seven years. I received my bachelor's degree from the Ohio State University - Go Buckeyes! Looking back on my own educational experience, there are only a handful of teachers that had a big impact of me as a student. Passionate and inspiring teachers can make or break a student's classroom experience, and I wanted to be that teacher that inspired students to continue learning and improving their skills. 

What are the biggest challenges you face as an ESOL teacher?
One of the biggest challenges of being an adult ESOL instructor is the many different backgrounds and education levels that the students bring to the class. Trying to pick a chapter book that is suitable for all students in the class can be quite a challenge! 

What has teaching remotely during a global pandemic taught you?
Teaching remotely during a global pandemic has reminded me of the importance of simple face to face interactions and the impact they have with building relationships with students. Since the beginning of the pandemic, we mostly have been virtual, but our students would stop by the center to pick up food, books, activity kits for their children, and other materials. We only saw the students for a few minutes, but those interactions allowed for us to get to know each other more and develop a better relationship beyond the computer screen. 

What advice would you give to a new ESOL teacher or volunteer?
Expect the unexpected and have several simple activities available if needed. And just have fun! Play games, be silly, and laugh in class, and encourage students to do the same. I often feel like class can be a big game of Charades for me! 

What have been your favorite pastimes during COVID-19?
I started a garden about three years ago and it has grown larger each year. During the COVID-19 pandemic, gardening each night was a big stress reliever for me after working on the computer all day. 

What do you find most rewarding about your work?
I love seeing the growth students make in their personal lives, whether it's getting a driver's license or a new job, and how their growth has a positive impact on their family and community. Many of our students come from a culture that are very different, and seeing students become more adaptable and comfortable to living here in the U.S. is a great thing to see!  

What is something you learned about your students during this remote teaching period?
Our program works with ESOL students who have a child under the age of four. Several of our students have a newborn baby at home! I am so proud of our students and their dedication to the class. It's not easy to attend a class virtually while having young children at home, plus having school-aged children attend school from home too! 

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.