2024
Edinburgh
Alanis McQuillen
- Gender equality
- Politics/representation
Age: 29
Location: Fife
Pronouns: she/her
Pauline is a History teacher and Developing the Young Workforce Coordinator from Fife who is deeply passionate about helping young people achieve their potential both inside and outside the classroom. She has nurtured a love of History and teaching in many students who are now pursuing these subjects at College or University.
Pauline is an exceptional classroom teacher, praised by pupils for her engaging lessons, enthusiasm and supportive approach. As leader of the school’s History Ambassadors, she gives countless hours of her own time, including evenings and weekends, to create meaningful opportunities. She organises trips, community events and experiences that broaden horizons and build confidence, particularly for young people from areas of high deprivation. Through annual Remembrance events, community activities and trips across Scotland to historical sites and museums, she develops leadership skills and brings the classroom to life. Her enthusiasm is infectious, with many pupils now giving up their own evenings and weekends to take part, demonstrating the lasting impact she has had on their confidence, curiosity and love of learning.
As DYW Coordinator, Pauline has transformed opportunities for young people. She has developed strong employer partnerships and created a work experience programme supporting over 100 pupils each year into placements, making the school sector-leading in Fife. She organises employer events, careers fairs, Business Breakfasts, apprenticeship opportunities across a wide range of industries.
Her work, alongside colleagues across the school, has contributed to an outstanding positive destination rate. Pauline is committed to widening opportunities for pupils who may face additional barriers to success.
Her dedication, compassion and determination make her an outstanding teacher, colleague and role model who consistently goes above and beyond for young people.