Sharmila Durai, a North Springs High School teacher who has taken an alternative teacher preparation path, was awarded the 2025 Valari Mathis Camp Award of Excellence through the Georgia Teacher Academy for Preparation and Pedagogy (GA TAPP) program.
Durai has worked as North Springs High’s Engineering Technology teacher since June 2022, according to her LinkedIn account. The award recognizes an outstanding GA TAPP candidate who exemplifies integrity, professionalism, dedication, and leadership, according to a news release from the school. Eligibility for the award requires candidates to be in good standing, have completed at least one year in the program, and be recommended by their TAPP supervisor, mentor, and administrator.
The program is an alternative teacher preparation pathway designed for individuals with a bachelor’s degree or higher who have not met the requirements for renewable teacher certification. The release said a blended learning approach equips aspiring educators with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the classroom.
“North Springs has truly become a second home for me. I love being part of a community where students are celebrated for who they are, and where I’m surrounded by colleagues who are passionate, supportive, and driven,” Durai said, according to the release. Every day I walk into my classroom excited to teach, to learn, and to grow right alongside my students.”
Brian R. Patterson, CTAE Department chair and Work-Based Learning coordinator at North Springs High School, said North Springs is lucky to have Durai. He said she continues to raise the bar, “and then pole-vault over it every time.”
