Instructor Spotlight: Melissa McDonald | Seneca Creek Community Church ESOL Program

November 12, 2021

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

I am the proud mom of four young adult children (19-27) and am grateful to have two talkative cats and two adorable little dogs to keep me company now that my kids have soared from the nest.  I am an elementary school library media specialist in Montgomery County Public schools. I am a lifelong learner and I believe that the library is a place for readers to imagine, explore, create, and soar! I serve at my church in various areas, which is very important to me.  I also serve on the planning committee of the Gaithersburg Book Festival, and on the Board of Trustees for the Friends of the Library, Montgomery County.  I believe it is extremely important to serve my community, and to give of my time and talents to others. I love helping others, and teaching English to my adult learners is so very rewarding.


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

I teach at my church’s ESOL program at Seneca Creek Community Church.  We believe that the work we do with learners is a ministry to our community. The biggest challenge I face as an ESOL teacher is that I cannot do more for my adult learners. Currently, I teach Intermediate II, so my learners have a good understanding of the English language, but they sometimes get discouraged. They are so supportive of each other and encourage each other when they stumble. I remind my adult learners that English is a difficult language to learn and most of them are not immersed in it on a daily basis.  I remind them to not give up, even if, and when, things are challenging.  Effort, motivation, and persistence are so important for achieving their goals.  I am very proud of the time that my adult learners put into their own education, and I hope that I am helping them achieve their goals.


What has teaching remotely during a global pandemic taught you?

I am an MCPS elementary school librarian, and a saying we have in our school library media program is to be “brave before perfect", which also applies to teaching remotely. At the beginning, when our ESOL program first switched to remote learning, things weren't perfect, but we had a dedicated team of volunteers at Seneca Creek Community Church willing to step out in faith. The pandemic taught me that thinking outside the box was not only important, but essential, and  that my adult learners were up to the challenge.   Offering our classes virtually has helped some of my learners attend when they wouldn’t have been able to in person.  For example, if their child was sick, or if they were out of town, they could still attend class. I have one learner who attended class while she made her deliveries for work, and others as they traveled with their family.  I even taught my class one Saturday morning from my hotel room when I was out-of-town.


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

My advice is to be open and welcoming and to build relationships with your learners. Provide lots of opportunities for your learners to speak with each other.  I start each class with a fun discussion question and encourage each of them to answer and respond to each other in a casual, conversational way.  For example, I might ask, “What is your favorite season, and why?” Or “Would you rather play basketball or soccer, and why?” It helps them find commonalities with each other (and me), and often brings on joyful laughter as we share our stories.  In my experience, adult learners appreciate everything you do, and don’t expect you to be perfect. We learn best from our mistakes. I often use my imperfections as a learning tool - I have been speaking and writing in English for 55 years, and I don’t always get it right!


What have been your favorite pastimes during COVID-19?

I love to read and write.  I read a lot of children’s books for my job, but I also love to read them - especially picture books.  I also enjoy reading historical fiction, mysteries, and romance novels. I write poetry and I have been writing children’s stories that I hope will get published some day!  I walk a lot with my dogs, and really enjoy getting out in nature.  Light hiking around the lake at Seneca Creek State Park or a bit more advanced hiking at Sugarloaf Mountain is so invigorating, and good for my soul.  I also started indoor rock climbing with two of my kids. They are so encouraging, and it really empowers me when I can reach the top of a 40-50 foot wall!


What do you find most rewarding about your work?

The most rewarding part of teaching is when I see a learner’s proud smile when they succeed in mastering a tricky pronunciation or grammatical rule. I also love to see my learners help each other, and to listen as they share in their successes when they have been able to accomplish something because their English has improved.


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

I have learned that my adult learners have overcome many challenges and are determined to continue improving their lives for themselves and their families. We pray for each other during challenges and are encouraging of each other’s successes. We have a WhatsApp group so that we can reach each other throughout the week. I tell them often that they are my heroes.
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.”  "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.

MCAEL Partner Spotlight: ISWA

By Kayla Savoy • March 24, 2025
Two years ago, MCAEL and the Islamic Society of Washington Area (ISWA) came together with a shared mission: to make English classes more accessible to the local Muslim community. ISWA, a vibrant religious organization, serves a diverse group of individuals from around the world. During our visit in November, we experienced firsthand how ISWA’s mosque transforms during the day into a dynamic learning space. The moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed into the community breakfast—tables filled with fresh fruit, pastries, and lively conversations. Learners chatted eagerly, children laughed as they played, and there was a sense of excitement as classes began. What makes these classes truly unique is that they are structured to uphold religious practices, offering a space where women can learn in privacy and comfort. Each classroom is tailored to different English proficiency levels, ensuring that every student gets the encouragement they need. One of the most engaging aspects of the program is the rewards system for Level 2 beginner learners. At the end of class, learners can choose a prize, but there’s a catch! They must correctly pronounce the item’s name in English. The bigger the prize, the longer the sentence – from long children dresses to beautiful hijabs, bedazzled shoes or knitted blankets. With so many beautiful and fun prizes available, the classroom buzzes with excitement and chatter as learners share their sentences and new words they’ve discovered. Outside the classroom, the learning continues. Before heading to prayer, a wide table in the center of the space holds free groceries once a week for learners to take home with them. Bananas, fresh vegetables, pastries, and more. But before taking an item – again – they must first name it in English. This simple yet powerful exercise turns everyday essentials into an opportunity for learners to help each other, practice new words, and build confidence in their language skills. It’s been nearly two years since MCAEL and ISWA first collaborated to launch a Community Learning Group (MCAEL’s “starter” classes, established in areas with few English learning opportunities). Recognizing a growing need in their community, ISWA went on to apply for a Start-Up Grant, securing financial and professional development support to expand their program. Last year, they took another step forward by applying for and receiving an increased award through the Access Small Grant. MCAEL is thrilled to continue this incredible partnership with ISWA, working together to support learners and strengthen our community. To learn more about ISWA and our Grant Partners, click here .
Picture of WUMCO Help's location in Poolseville, MD.

MCAEL Partner Spotlight: WUMCO Help, Inc

By Kayla Savoy • November 1, 2024
On Friday, October 25th, the MCAEL staff had the privilege of visiting WUMCO Help's facility in Poolesville, MD. What began as a quick journey to distribute our Adult English Language Program Directories turned into an insightful tour of WUMCO’s expansive ESOL classroom, designed for local residents, and their food pantry, where they provide shelf-stable goods and fresh produce to the community. Supported by a dedicated team of volunteers, community members, and local Boy Scout troops, WUMCO is committed to addressing food, language, health, and financial insecurities in Poolesville and the surrounding areas. We are proud to partner with WUMCO Help , which began with MCAEL as a Start-Up Grant recipient in 2023 and then grew to become an Access Small Grant recipient the following year. To learn more about WUMCO and the good work of all of our current Grant Partners, click here.