Our Staff

Frederick A. Smith, one of Tappan's Co-Band Directors, was born in North Carolina, coming to the University of Michigan by way of five other states, including Alabama and Ohio, in 1977.  A graduate of the U of M School of Music in 1981, he received his Music Education Degree,  then received his Masters in Educational Leadership from Eastern Michigan University in 1987.  At some point in his career he's taught in all but three schools buildings in the Ann Arbor District and now at Tappan since 1989 with a year off as an Elementary Interim Principal for both Northside and Pittsfield Elementary Schools in 1995.  His bands have competed in MSBOA Festivals receiving consistent high marks of First or Second Division ratings and enjoys their successes being showcased in our city-wide concerts, to include, Bands in Review and Picnic Pops.  Mr. Smith continues to also coordinated 3 district programs for over ten years each, the Summer Music Program, the Cooperative Outreach Music Tutorial Program, and the Cooperative Blue Lake Fine Arts Summer Scholarship Program (formerly known as the Cooperative U. of M. All-State Music Camp Program at Interlochen).  He enjoys many things about Tappan but mostly it's wonderful diverse student population and caring teaching staff.  When not at school working you'll find him directing two church choirs, teaching Junior tennis at Huron Valley Tennis Club, or playing competitive tennis with the United States Tennis Association, at one time ranked 58th in Father / Son Doubles Teams nationally.  Loves sports and traveling whenever possible. He and his wife have 4 wonderful children, one a Tappan Alumni.  Go Tappan!

Mrs. Sullivan attending Grinnell College, University of MI, and EMU. She obtained a BA from Grinnell, MFA in Theater design from U of MI and a teaching degree in Math and History from EMU. She still loves to design costumes for her children, gardens, and redesign her home.

She brings a creative energy to Tappan and a wide variety of interests that she refers to in her teaching. Math is about more than just numbers.

Mrs. Sullivan has been teaching at Tappan since 1998 and loves the wonderful student body, their enthusiasm, confidence and energy. She participated in the Tappan play for years and now helps run the 8th grade talent show. Come by any lunch and do fun math with her or discuss Harry Potter and other magical stories with her.  Like mysteries or science fiction? She does too, come on by.

Education:  M.A. in German Literature from the University of Michigan,
M.S. in Secondary Education/Spanish from Indiana University, B.S. in
Spanish/German from Indiana University.

Interests/passions:  I love traveling, exploring different cultures and
languages, reading, hiking, swimming and spending time with my family.

Strengths I bring to Tappan: a strong interest in implementing creative
and interesting techniques to teach a world language and a strong belief
that  every student can acquire another language with ease.

Teaching experiences: I have taught German, Spanish and ESL in Austria,
Portugal and in the U.S. , including at the Middle School, High School and
University level. This is my 9th year with the Ann Arbor Public Schools.

Favorite part of Tappan:  The wonderful, creative and supportive staff
and the interesting, varied background of our students as well as a
strong sense of community.

Education:  Bachelor of Science - Elementary Education, University of Michigan - Flint
         Master of Public Administration, University of Michigan - Flint
         Educational Administration Certification, Eastern Michigan University

Interests:     Golfing and playing softball with my sons. Sudoku and crossword puzzles.

Strengths:     Doing whatever needs to be done to get a job done

Teaching Experiences:  I have taught Kindergarten, First Grade, Second Grade, Fifth Grade, Sixth Grade, Seventh Grade, Eighth Grade, Teacher Assistant in Special Education for Middle School and High School, Athletic Director, and Assistant Principal

Favorite part of Tappan: Students

Favorite Book:  Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin