MCAEL Advisory Group Spotlight: Roza Beyene

May 16, 2022


Tell us a little about yourself and what was your entry point into Adult ESOL.
My name is Roza Beyene. I was born and raised in Tigray, Ethiopia. Currently, I am working as an Adult Education and Workforce Programs Manager at the Ethiopian Community Center. Before I moved to the US, I was an instructor of English Courses at a University level. I enjoyed my journey as an instructor then and also when I taught ESOL to Adult learners in the US. Right now, I got the opportunity to continue with my passion in the field by planning and implementing the program to help Adult ESOL learners.

Where are you now teaching (or working as an ESOL provider) (at what levels and for which organizations)?
As an Adult Education and Workforce Manager at the Ethiopian Community Center, I oversea the ESOL classes and the Workforce development programs. I do the planning, recruitment, curriculum evaluating and reporting of the programs. I work closely with the ESOL instructors, site coordinators and students to make the programs successful. 

What unexpected successes or previously unknow capabilities have you and the learners you serve experienced during the pandemic?
When the pandemic happened, I thought that was the end to most of our programs as it required in person interactions. My coworkers and I did some research on a virtual platform and decided to use Zoom for our ESOL classes even though we were not sure if it was going to work out. Surprisingly, the students and the teachers adopted the virtual platform quickly and the number of students enrolled increased. When I conducted a survey for the students’ preference, I found out more than 95% of them still prefers virtual classes.

What role do you play in MAG?
I served on the Conference Planning Committee, supported the planning, development, and delivery of MCAEL’s March 2022 hybrid conference. Currently, I am serving as the Learner Leadership Advisory Group Committee, being a voice to adult ESOL learners in the planning and implementation of MCAEL network activities.

What do you find most rewarding about your work?
The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the impact of the Ethiopian Community Center in improving the lives of African Immigrants in the DMV area. When I see prior students getting a better paying career or continuing their education, it makes me to be creative to better serve my community. 

What brings you joy outside of your professional life?
Spending time with my family brings joy to me. 
 

Still Buzzing About MCAEL’s 11th Annual Spelling Bee

By Emma Starr • May 12, 2026
With the correct spelling of funambulism (noun: the act of walking on a rope between two points elevated from the ground), the Montgomery College Spelling Bee team secured the Honeybee Trophy at MCAEL's 11th Annual Grown-Up Spelling Bee.  The competition was robust, with all five teams demonstrating impressive spelling skills. Along with Montgomery College, this year’s team line-up included Burness, Bethesda Magazine, GBCC NextExecs, and the Rockville Chamber of Commerce. Even the audience proved their prowess, spelling zenzizenzizenzic (noun: a number to the eighth power) during the Audience Spell, with a group of four audience members winning the prize (once they chased down the Bee, who had taken off with it). The event was buzzing with energy and good spirits. At the reception, guests posed in the photo booth and enjoyed refreshments while donning antennae headbands and bee sunglasses. This year’s People, Power, and Potential Award went to two women who were once English language learners themselves. Bibi Mohamed is the force behind the English language program at ISWA (the Islamic Society of the Washington Area). As Program Director, Bibi goes above and beyond to remove learning barriers for women, including childcare, housing and food insecurity, and transportation. Likewise, Milagro Flores, the CEO, Founder, and Executive Director of Mujer Fuerza y Coraje, is focused on women. She started her organization 16 years ago, when she realized that many women were facing the same challenges as she was – “difficulties communicating, limited job opportunities, and a deep fear of speaking with their children’s teachers. Many of us were also afraid to visit the doctor because we could not fully understand what was being said. We felt frustrated, isolated, and, at times, invisible.” Milagro’s words remind us of why adult English language learning is so vital. “We aren’t just supporting English classes,” MCAEL Executive Director Gerard Etienne explained in his remarks at the Spelling Bee. “Learning English is essential to workforce development, economic stability, healthcare access, safety, community connections, equity, mental health, and so much more. So, when adults learn English, the impact extends far beyond the individual – it strengthens and benefits the entire community.

From Learner to Instructor: My Journey with ESOL at ISWA

By MCAEL • March 26, 2026
Story written by Tamana Mehran

MCAEL on TV

By Emma Starr • February 18, 2026
MCAEL Executive Director Gerard Etienne sat down with Cheryl Hawkins of MMCTV’s Solutions to discuss all things MCAEL. Learn out about what MCAEL does, why it’s important, and Gerard’s own experiences as an English language learner. Watch the full 30-minute program by clicking the link above!