Aspiration Awards 2024: Educator of the Year winner – Pauline Strong, Herefordshire, Ludlow and North Shropshire College  

The Educator of the Year category recognises those who have gone above and beyond to support their learners. This year’s winner is Pauline Strong, Lecturer in Policing and Public Services at Herefordshire, Ludlow and North Shropshire College. 

Line of duty 

Following a long and successful career in West Mercia Police, where she worked in the intelligence, serious crime, domestic abuse and sexual offences, police training and criminal investigation department fields, Pauline Strong wasn’t looking for a restful retirement away from the sector.   

Instead, she embarked on a new career in teaching, inspiring the public services workforce of the future and has delivered the uniformed public services courses at Herefordshire, Ludlow and North Shropshire College for the last 11 years. 

Over this time, Pauline has gone over and above to ensure that learners develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to enter the workforce in their chosen Public Sector. Her mission is to inspire the next generation. 

When the opportunity arose to lead on the college’s adult education provision for NCFE’s Level 3 Introductory Certificate in Policing, Pauline grabbed it with both hands. In the first ever cohort for the college, she arranged for learners to experience first-hand life as an officer as they got to join police on duty, working with local policing teams, patrol and traffic officers.  

In addition, Pauline organised a visit to the local police station custody suite where the custody officer gave a tour of the unit and a talk about the various aspects of dealing with suspects. Learners were also able to look around the cells, the holding area, and the interview rooms, giving them a fantastic insight into the role of these officers.  

These experiences have been a vital part of Pauline bringing learning to life for her learners, enabling them to see what it’s like in this service. As a result of her passion for the course and commitment to her learners’ success, many of them have now successfully applied to join the service and are actively in their initial training stages.   

Force for good 

Pauline has also been the driving force in her college’s Citizens Academy, in which learners work alongside West Mercia Police on a journey that will enrich their knowledge of policing and enhance their life skills. The Citizens’ Academy is a valuable part of the college’s enrichment offer, where participants meet with officers and staff from various areas of the force and understand the work involved in modern day policing.  

The academy is open to all members of the college community, whether they are people aspiring to join the police service or related enforcement agencies, or others looking to develop their own career path in another sector, such as running a licensed premises or working in a local authority.  

It also offers learners the opportunity to learn more about policing, such as crime prevention, the dangers of the internet and keeping homes and communities safe. Without Pauline’s enthusiasm and dedication, this opportunity would not have been given to learners who have since pursued and succeeded in their own careers in policing.  

Melanie Taylor, Vice Principal at Herefordshire, Ludlow and North Shropshire College, commented: “Pauline is a passionate, dedicated professional who is making a difference to the lives of both our younger learners taking their first steps into the public services sector, and our adult learners who are adding the required knowledge, skills experience and qualifications to support their successful applications to the police service.  

“Her commitment ensures that all learners get an outstanding experience, preparing them thoroughly for the reality of an exciting, challenging and rewarding career within their chosen field.” 

Passing on the baton 

Reflecting on her time as an educator, Pauline said: “We deliver a wide range of NCFE qualifications as we find them accessible for learners of all abilities. They enable teachers to bring the learning to life, using real examples, scenarios, case studies and role play.  

“The NCFE qualifications give teachers and learners the freedom to explore the subject content without the restriction of too many examinations and enable them to apply their new knowledge and skills in a work-based setting. We have a number of learners who, since completing these courses, are now active or training officers. 

“I am really touched by this recognition, when I found out I was a finalist and people started to congratulate me, I was overwhelmed. It has been a lovely surprise.” 

Melanie Taylor added: “Our learners on Policing and Public Services courses really enjoy the scenario-based learning that Pauline can provide, drawing on her extensive industry experience.  

“Her tales of her time policing. including investigation, problem and crime solving, and supporting both offenders and victims really help learners to understand the importance of the role of the police, and ensure they are aware of the commitment they are undertaking. 

“We are delighted that Pauline has been recognised by winning this fantastic award. She thoroughly deserves the success as she is a wonderful asset to our whole college community.” 

Congratulations Pauline! To read more inspirational stories from this year's award winners, visit our Aspiration Awards 2024 page.