Lily Shaekhova
Head of EAL
Continuing into my second year at GEMS FirstPoint School - The Villa as the Head of English as an Additional Language (EAL) has been an exciting journey. With experience teaching in the UAE, USA and Russia, I have spent my career dedicated to supporting English language learners across a range of ages and settings.
Through my journey of achieving a BA in Linguistics, an MA in Germanic Philology and an MA in TESOL, along with my time as a Fulbright alumna researching translanguaging, I have been fortunate to support the aspirations of multilingual language learners and their families. As an ESOL specialist, I firmly believe in the transformative power of creating meaningful connections between the languages we speak and our learning and real-life experiences. I am passionate about helping multilingual learners find their voices and develop their potential through English.
Beyond the classroom, I enjoy learning new languages, ballet, adventurous hikes and horse riding—activities that keep me inspired and connect me with the students’ journey of balancing creativity and discipline.
Being part of the FPS community has been incredibly fulfilling. Together with our team, we are dedicated to promoting world-class standards of educational achievement through accelerated English language learning that align with the aspirations of FPS families. Guiding young minds and witnessing their growth is a true honour in the field of education.
