Director, Jeanne Burke:

Our Director, Jeanne Burke, was born in Boston, Massachusetts and has traveled extensively throughout the world. She obtained her Master’s Degree in Teaching English as a Second Language, in 1994, from the University of Massachusetts, Boston.



Jeanne has extensive experience in the ESL field, having planned, coordinated, marketed, recruited and taught for international and ESL programs. She has taught Adult Education in Brookline, served as the ESL Specialist at Simmons College and was on the staff at both UMass Boston and Boston University. She also taught for one year at the prestigious Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, in Mexico State.

Her areas of ESOL expertise also include curriculum design, committee and program organization, workshop presentations, panel speaking, grant writing and budget management.

Jeanne began teaching at Martha’s Vineyard Adult Learning Program in 1999. She became the ESOL Coordinator the following year, and in 2001 she became director of the program. Her experience coupled with her passion for education, language and culture makes her a great asset to the program.

Student Counselor, Vera Cacique:

Our Counselor, Vera Cacique, was born in Minas Gerais, Brasil. She studied high school in Brasil and worked in a hospital. Vera came to the United States in 1999 and moved to Martha’s Vineyard. She studied English with the Adult Learning Program from 1999 – 2001; she became Program Counselor in 2001.

Vera’s first language is Brazilian Portuguese. She also speaks English, and understands and speaks some Spanish. Vera is available to help with any problem that may be getting in the way of a student’s progress.

Vera and program students have had many similar experiences in areas of adjusting to a new country, culture and educational system. She is a great asset to the program and can provide students with information about local resources and programs, as well as an understanding ear when difficulties arise.