Twins TAP into Trojan family
August 13, 2025
Identical twins Brooke and Bailey Katzer’s similarities go far beyond looks, with both dedicated to becoming educators.
“We’ve done everything together from elementary school to college,” Brooke explained. “Others often find that unique, but we just consider it a normal part of our lives.”
The two always knew they wanted to become teachers, starting their college education by earning a degree in early childhood education at Southeast Technical College.
“But we weren’t sure about the path until we found the one offered through the South Dakota Teacher Apprenticeship Pathway (TAP) program,” Bailey shared.
The TAP program assists paraprofessionals, or teacher’s aides, in South Dakota schools to become licensed teachers. Elementary and special education students take classes through DSU; secondary education instructors study at Northern State. The program provides significant funding to keep costs low for participants, who are only responsible for up to $1,000 a year in tuition, books, and state assessments.
They talked to people already in the TAP program for guidance before applying and being accepted into the TAP program.
“This program is offering us so many opportunities to be able to earn our degrees faster while working,” Brooke said.
The twins enrolled in Dakota State University, majoring in both elementary and special education, according to Bailey. While going to school online, the girls also work in schools. Brooke is currently working in the West Central School District, and Bailey is working in theLenox School District.
By being in the classroom while attending school, Brooke is able to make connections between what she’s learning and how she can apply those lessons directly in the classroom where she’s already working.
Bailey appreciates this aspect as well, noting that the ability to apply her classroom learning directly to her work has helped her grow in her instructional style and behavior management.
The duo appreciates that the program also gives them more time to spend together. They work on homework together, write and review notes, and share their learning experiences from time in the classroom.
“I feel like through school we have a lot more bonding time together because we have different hobbies outside of school and outside of work,” Bailey said.
While they regularly support each other through the program, they also appreciate the support they receive from peers who are ahead of them in the program and their district mentors.
“I have a mentor at the district and she’s really great, but there’s also a kindergarten teacher who went to DSU and she’s been a great help for advice,” Bailey said.
They are eager to pass along the same support, recommending the TAP program to others not enrolled.
“Every paraprofessional I’ve talked to since being in TAP, I tell them that it’s 100% worth it,” Brooke said.
While they’re enjoying their time in the TAP program, they are looking forward to graduating and hopefully working in the same school district eventually.