MCC Campus Connections Podcast Ep. 16: Words, Wisdom & Warmth: Patrick Brennan on Teaching ESL

Episode 16 of the MCC Campus Connections Podcast features Patrick Brennan, ESL faculty instructor at Midwestern Career College. Host Geovanny Mayorga discusses language learning, multicultural classrooms, student confidence, CEFR ESL levels, professional English tracks, and English for Healthcare pathways supporting international students.

Episode 16: Words, Wisdom, and Warmth — Patrick Brennan on Transforming the ESL Experience

Published: September 30, 2025
Runtime: 29 minutes

Join host Geovanny Mayorga for an engaging conversation with Patrick Brennan, distinguished ESL faculty instructor at Midwestern Career College.

In this episode, Brennan shares his journey from the financial sector to the classroom, the philosophy that guides his teaching, and the transformative moments he witnesses as students find their confidence in a new language.

With warmth, humor, and deeply human insight, he reflects on the challenges and triumphs of multicultural learners—and what it truly means to build a supportive, collaborative learning community. This thoughtful episode offers a window into the heart of effective language education and the passion that drives it.


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Episode Highlights

  • Patrick Brennan shares how he transitioned from the financial industry into teaching English as a Second Language.
  • The MCC ESL program structure, including CEFR language levels from A1 beginner to C2 advanced.
  • How confidence and participation help multilingual students succeed in immersive language environments.
  • The importance of creating supportive classroom communities where mistakes are part of learning.
  • Specialized English tracks at MCC, including Professional English, English for Academic Purposes, and English for Healthcare.

Memorable Quotes

“We must make as many mistakes as possible. That’s how language learning happens.”

“You are already an English speaker. You’re just learning how to say exactly what you want to say.”

“If you want to be a successful ESL instructor, love your students.”

About the Guest

Patrick Brennan is an ESL faculty instructor at Midwestern Career College. His teaching focuses on helping multilingual learners build confidence, develop communication skills, and succeed in academic and professional environments. Brennan began teaching ESL in 2013 and is currently completing a master’s degree in Teaching English as a Second Language.