MCAEL Advisory Group Spotlight: Andy Lawrence

July 19, 2022

It’s MCAEL’s 15 year anniversary, and we’re celebrating with a “People of MCAEL"

The "People of MCAEL" series features first person insights and photos from some of the wonderful people involved in English language learning in Montgomery County, MD. You’ll find stories here and on FacebookInstagramLinkedIn, and Twitter; please share and use our hashtag #MCAEL15. We know this coalition thrives because of committed people like you; thank you!

Today we’re introducing our first profile: Claudia Ramos

Tell us a little about yourself and what was your entry point into Adult ESOL.
In the late 1980s, as I was about to enter my third year as an ESOL volunteer for the Montgomery County Department of Adult Education, the Program Director accosted me and pleaded: “I just had a teacher quit. How would you like to teach a class?” I swallowed hard, said “yes,” and was handed a teacher’s guide, a textbook, and a room full of eager students to teach. Oh, how I wish that MCAEL’s Foundations for Adult ESOL Instruction Course existed back then. Hopefully, my enthusiasm for teaching made up for what I lacked in skill in those early days.


Where are you now teaching (or working as an ESOL provider) (at what levels and for which organizations)?
At present, I am teaching a morning and afternoon beginning level class via Zoom for Montgomery College’s Refugee Training Center. The majority of my students are from Afghanistan, and I admire their courage as they adapt to living in our area, including trying to master English, after their abrupt departure from their homeland.


What unexpected successes or previously unknow capabilities have you and the learners you serve experienced during the pandemic?
The desire to learn can easily negotiate around the disruption caused by moving from in-person classes to virtual ones. For

Andy Lawrence

various reasons, nearly all of my Zoom students keep their cameras off, so I find that I need to be more systematic in ensuring that all students participate equally in class. I make a special point to draw out shy students hiding behind blank screens and muted microphones, and I am gratified when I see these students make real improvements in listening, speaking and reading.


What role do you play in MAG [committees, roles]?
I am working with the Learner Leadership Advisory Group that is trying to institutionalize input of student voices into the MCAEL planning process. Since students are our ultimate customers, it is very important that MCAEL take their views into consideration into course design and assessment methods. It is far better to hear directly from students than it is to assume what their needs are.


What do you find most rewarding about your work?
To me, there is no greater reward than creating a safe, collaborative classroom and watching students overcome their fear of making mistakes and gain confidence in their abilities to communicate successfully. Many students are intimidated by classmates who seem to “outshine” them in their command of English, and I feel fulfilled when I see steady improvement from those who needed a little push before they hit their stride as learners.


What brings you joy outside of your professional life?
The joy that my wife and I get from travelling has largely been on hold during the pandemic. While we went on a wonderful tour of Greece in May, we both tested positive for COVID upon our return to the Athens airport and had to quarantine for an additional week. However, we are planning to spend the Christmas holidays on several of the Hawaiian Islands with both our sons and our older son’s wife. 



Andy’s story is part of MCAEL’S 15th Anniversary celebration; every month we’ll highlight some of the wonderful people at the heart of our coalition. Learn more about MCAEL and its mission here: https://mcael.org/.



Learn more about MCAEL and our partner organizations here

A picture of Gerard Etienne, MCAEL's new Executive Director. He wears a navy-blue suit.
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
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.
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.”  "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.