Staying on top of a new trend - Proliteracy takeaways

October 25, 2019

Like any good conference, the pre-conference sessions, presentations and special events offered topics of interest for the large number of participants who were attending from across the country.  Every title appealed to professionals in different levels of experience, administration, and goals for their learners.  


Flipping through the program book, the most discussed topic during this year’s conference focused on digital Literacy. This was of special interest to me and the adult learners in the ESOL and Adult Literacy Program for Catholic Charities as we have introduced the use of Chromebooks, phone apps, and distance learning concepts into our classrooms. The fact that digital literacy was so prevalent, solidified the notion that now, more than before, our learners need to be digitally competent.  The conference itself was heavily digitally infused. Every session room was equipped with computer access, speakers, microphones, and a projector.  All conference participants could download the conference app. The conference evaluations could be submitted on-line.  The “cloud” was not just a beautiful formation in the ski, but a tool that we needed to access. The fact that the ProLit conference was heavily digital, emphasizes the current trends of living in a digitally saturated era.  The present and future of adult learner education is clear: they must become digitally literate, and we can help them get there.  

There were several choices of presentations focusing on utilizing technology to work with learners.  For example, I attended a session on “Using Online Learning to Prepare Adults for the Workplace”. The presenters shared the importance of employees to have the skills to enter a changing workplace.  ProLit created an easy to use (and free) set of educational resources to help learners navigate topics regarding employment. The on-line resource covers four basic topics: setting career goals, tailoring a resume, acing the interview and communicating at work.  Each topic comes with easy to use navigation instructions, designed for learners with basic literacy skills, with colorful icons and both audio and written instructions.  Each learner may create an account ™and work towards completing the series.  There is also an instructor module to provide support to the learners.  The resource is available after creating a free account at www.proliteracyednet.org/workforce. 

Another session focused on helping Spanish-speaking learners to learn to read, write and become digitally literate.  The program “Leamos”™ is also a self-paced, lesson by lesson, comprehensive course for learners who never attended school or only attended up to the 2nd grade level.  This course requires a bit more administrative involvement and there are basic needs to run the program: access to WiFi, computers or laptops, headphones, and a workbook.  The administrator for “Leamos” must create an account to manage all learners’ progress. It’s a good resource to introduce learners to this new era of learning.  The information for the program is available at www.proliteracy.org/Leamos.

These are just two of the many examples of programs designed to incorporate digital literacy to the adult learners.  It is clear that our learners must become comfortable in a digital world.  From creating an account to visit a doctor’s office, to receiving information about children in school, to applying for a job, all of these require a level of comfort with the use and navigation of technology. The need is great, and we have a responsibility to assist our participants to get there. Easier said than done as each session also highlighted the barriers to utilizing technology.  We heard from different colleagues across the country about issues on the lack of internet connectivity, the fact that not all learners have access to computers, and the cost of internet access. And we also heard about solutions: utilization of library resources, reaching out to companies that provide support to low income families to get access to reduced cost or even free internet connection, or programs that assist individuals and families to get computers in their homes. Thinking and working with colleagues about the solutions to the problems reminded me of the importance of attending a professional conference: I got to connect with others who have similar goals and can share their experiences so I can learn something new and bring it back to my community. 

I look forward to implementing some of what I learned.  Especially around employment and language learning.  

Laura Irwin
ESOL Supervisor
Catholic Charities
 

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.