Why I Teach A MCAEL Community Learning Group

July 29, 2022

My journey as an ESOL instructor began in 2015 with tutoring citizenship students at Montgomery College where I also discovered the TESOL certification program. During the certification process, I quickly learned about MCAEL and subsequently found my first teaching position on the MCAEL job board and began teaching citizenship and advanced conversation at Briggs Center for Faith & Action for a couple years, including online during the pandemic.

In March 2022, I volunteered to facilitate a MCAEL Community Learning Group (or CLG) at a local landscape company. MCAEL conducted the initial assessment of the employees and then provided the books/curriculum (Intercambio “Confidence and Connections”), along with teacher support for me since I had not ever taught at the “basic” level.

This is one example of how MCAEL-sponsored CLGs can work in many different settings, including in the work place. Workplace ESOL classes empower the individual employees and benefit the company as a whole.  And workplace classes are an excellent opportunity to reach adult learners who otherwise would not have the time for language learning. As the owner of the landscape company put it: “it wasn’t going to work to find a church or community center close to them because they work sometimes 8-12 hours a day doing landscaping.”

And this CLG has turned the employer’s “vision into a reality.” As the landscape owner/employer stated: “I wanted to be able to offer opportunities for my guys to learn English. I am so grateful to be able to pay each of them for three hours a week to sit in the office and learn English with such an amazing teacher as Stacy. She has been so generous with her time and the guys absolutely love her! I am beyond grateful to MCAEL and it gives me great joy to be a part of this process.”

As for the landscape employees/students in our CLG, they are quickly progressing through the “Introduction” book. In fact, the six men who attend class every Friday afternoon recently celebrated their 9 week milestone with great fanfare and discussion (using an interpreter to obtain feedback about the CLG):

Hector: “I’m remembering the English I learned 15 years ago more quickly with the classes.”
Geraldo: “I’m learning new vocabulary and how to say things correctly with the right sounds."
Santos: “Class has encouraged me to start using Duolingo again."
Will: “I’m learning lots of new words."
Daniel: “I’m learning how to enunciate words correctly that I didn’t even know I was saying wrong.”
Joel: “Before I came, I couldn’t even tell people where I was from; now I can say my name, my age, where I am from and so much more!”

I’m not sure who is more grateful for this CLG experience…the employer, the employees or me! But this CLG exemplifies the people, the power and the potential of MCAEL: propelling a community workforce to succeed through communication and learning together.

- Stacy Parkinson
Chair, MCAEL Board of Directors

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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.”

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.” "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.