When Middle School Humanities teacher Tyler Rushforth teaches history, social studies, and civics to grades 6, 7, and 8, he brings a rich combination of perspectives. The parent of four now adults, of which three are Green Hedges alumni, he is also an attorney with 13 years of legislative experience in the Senate, where he served as advisor and negotiator on social, environmental, and human rights issues. In addition, his outstanding communication skills have been honed by years of teaching early morning religion and philosophy classes to high school students, a labor of love requiring creativity, making personal connections, and stimulating students’ earnest interest.

History, politics, and civic engagement have long been part of Mr. Rushforth’s personal and family life. During his childhood, his family moved from California to the DC area for his father’s government work. One day during high school the young Tyler rode his bike downtown, and, after gaining permission to enter the Senate Chamber, listened to the proceedings. He remembers being enthralled, and brings that passion to the next generation.

After serving as a long-term substitute for some Spanish and History classes the previous year, Mr. Rushforth officially joined the Green Hedges faculty in Fall 2024. “The concepts of history and social studies are important for students to grasp,” he says, adding, “I want them to dive deeper than the headlines, so they develop analytical and interpersonal skills to help them well beyond taking sides, to becoming problem solvers now and for the future.”

The Rushforth family spends summer vacations in New Hampshire visiting relatives and, of course, American history sites.