Have you met Mr. Tapp, the gym teacher?
No wait, the other Mr. Tapp, the gym teacher.
For more than two decades, Dearborn Public Schools has been fortunate enough to employ two men named Mr. Tapp, both of whom teach physical education classes. Mr. Bryan Tapp currently works at Whitmore Bolles, and Mr. Jeffrey Tapp is at STEM Middle School. (And they have a first cousin, Kevin Wetmore, who also teaches PE in the district.)
The two Tapps were among three brothers who grew up as part of a big sports family in Wayne Michigan. Both future teachers graduated from Wayne Memorial High School and then Eastern Michigan University.
“Yes I followed in my older brother’s footsteps, and he has been a great role model and mentor,” Jeffery said.
As with many teachers, the Tapps’ childhood set the stage for their future careers.
“Us three boys always had some sort of ball in our hand and were competing with each other at an early age. Sports always kept me focused and on the right path in life,” Jeffery said.
Bryan explained that their dad was very athletic and their mom coached women’s softball.
Bryan is the older brother by four years. During high school, each Tapp helped run a summer youth sports program called Fun Squad.
“This is when I knew that I wanted to help teach our youth the benefits of health, fitness, and sports in general,” Jeffery said.
Bryan added, “I also had some great coaches that I played for and that I looked up to, who happened to be physical education teachers as well.”
Bryan has put 28 years in at Dearborn Public Schools and will be retiring at the end of September 2025. Jeffrey has worked for the district for a mere 26 years.
“Hopefully for Dearborn, my brother will stick around a little longer. He is an excellent teacher that works hard for his students’ success,” Bryan said.
Jeffery said, “The best part about my job is making connections with students and having a positive impact on their lives.”
Bryan agreed.
“Like Jeff said, the connections you make with the staff, parents, and most importantly the students you teach is what I enjoyed the most about working as a teacher for Dearborn.”