Education doctoral student goes from "playing school" to commencement speaker

Brittany Tischmak knew since Kindergarten that she wanted to be a writer and teacher, when she could be found playing “school” with her stuffed animals. Now, she is an English teacher at Simley High School in Inver Grove Heights, Minn., a mentor to incoming teachers, and an educational leadership doctoral student at Minnesota State Moorhead.

She will earn her Ed.D. and speak about perseverance and grit at the Spring 2026 Graduate Commencement ceremony.

Brittany got her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction with an emphasis in English from Moorhead after a friend told her about 18 Online courses. She enjoyed her interactions with faculty so much that she decided to pursue her doctorate next.

“Dr. Kristen Carlson was a guiding force in my master’s program and then became my dissertation advisor,” she says. “She is smart and kind, and I greatly value her opinion. I have grown because of her dedication to helping me succeed.”

Brittany’s Ed.D. cohort became a supportive family as well, reminding her that she is smart and capable enough to complete the professional and personal challenge of a post-graduate program.

“Having a tight-knit group to talk to made all the difference,” she says. “They became like family.”

Brittany’s M.Ed. dissertation investigated how English/Language Arts teachers, like herself, perceive the impact of technology on student writing skills. Especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, she was surprised when the results of her study indicated pedagogical practices had a more significant influence on student writing development than technology-based learning alone.

Intrigued by her research, Brittany continues to teach at Simley High School and at Ridgewater College. Ultimately, she aspires to be a full-time college professor and fiction author, while being Mom to 8-year old and 1-month old sons.

No matter how technology might affect the way she teaches, writes and parents, she is ready for what’s next.

“I am so thankful for my time at MSUM,” she says. “It is a place that welcomes you from the start and values education. My Dragon experiences impact the way I do my job and teach future leaders of our community.”