North Springs Educator Honored with Prestigious GA Teaching Award

North Springs High School’s Engineering Technology teacher, Dr. Sharmila Durai, has been awarded the 2025 Valari Mathis Camp Award of Excellence through the Georgia Teacher Academy for Preparation and Pedagogy (GA TAPP) program.

The Valari Mathis Camp Award of Excellence recognizes an outstanding GA TAPP candidate who exemplifies integrity, professionalism, dedication, and leadership. To be eligible for the award, candidates must be in good standing, have completed at least one year in the program, and be recommended by their TAPP supervisor, mentor, and administrator.
The GA TAPP program is an alternative teacher preparation pathway designed for individuals with a bachelor's degree or higher who have not yet met the requirements for renewable teacher certification. With a blended learning approach, GA TAPP equips aspiring educators with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the classroom.
Dr. Durai reflected on her teaching experience, "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. Every day I walk into my classroom excited to teach, to learn, and to grow right alongside my students."
"We are very lucky to have one of the very best in the business," said Dr. Brian R. Patterson, CTAE Department Chair and Work-Based Learning Coordinator at North Springs High School. "Dr. Durai continues to raise the bar—and then pole-vault over it every time!"