Going back to the "Good Old Days" when everything was friction fitted, there really wasn't any particular method for getting motors out.

If the motor protruded at least a 1/4" from the end of the body tube,generally, you could use a pair of pliars or vice grips. But, uf the motor is flush, the dowel method would be a choice. Either tapping (gently) or pushing, the bottom line is the removal of the motor.

Also as noted, you need to gently hold the rocket as well, not to damage the body tube or any items located on the tube body.

Also, I have noticed, depending upon which brand of masking tape used, after flight, the tape may be "sticky" due to the motor heat, in this case, after recovery, I would wait until the motor cools down before trying to remove it.

As pointed out, the Baby Bertha would have been a better choice in this case for a "to build" rocket and is very popular with svhool groups as well as scouts and 4-H'ers.

The bullpup is a great looking rocket, but, with you time restraints, your going to pressed for time.