He has been a teacher in a variety of schools including the Primary Program, a nongraded elementary program in Westminster, Vermont. He has worked as a math coach, curriculum director, and education researcher. Dr Tapper has worked with students and teachers on improving their understanding of mathematics throughout the United States and, . Internationally, in Eastern Europe and Japan. He has conducted education research for the Donahue Institute at the University of Massachusetts and with the Kaput Center for Research and Innovation in STEM education. John lives in Vermont with his extended family and his very mathematical dogs.