East Boston High School Headmaster Michael Rubin has been hailed as a neighborhood institution. As a coach and educator at the school for nearly three decades Rubin’s success with area high schoolers both on the court and in the classroom has been unparalleled.
Unfortunately, Rubin’s storied career at the school is coming to an end.
During an education event Monday it was announced that Rubin will be retiring at the end of the school year.
“He is one of the best,” said City Councilor Sal LaMattina, an East Boston High graduate, upon hearing the news. “He has made East Boston High School one of the best high schools in the city. His work in education and with children in unparalleled.”
During his time in Eastie, Rubin became a well-known figure beyond the doors of the High School and is considered one of the more respected educators in Boston.
In 2010 he was honored with the 25 Annual Henry L. Shattuck Public Service Awards. Rubin was honored for his work in the community and at the High School. That year Rubin was one of a select number of City of Boston employees who committed themselves to excellence in public service in Boston, far above their direct responsibilities. He was considered an “unsung heroes” who helped make Eastie a better, safer and more attractive place in which to live, work and conduct business.
Rubin has been Headmaster for 12 years. Before becoming Headmaster, he spent 27 years in teaching and administrative positions at the school and was head basketball coach, leading his team to three state championships. He counts former New England Patriot and Super Bowl champion, Jermaine Wiggins, among one of his many players and students over the years.
In his role as lead administrator, Rubin implemented an out-of-school-time program aimed at serving the most at-risk teenagers in his school. Over the years, he has coached, mentored and advised tens of thousands of kids, helping them to realize their potential through academics and sports.
Rubin grew up surrounded by deep poverty in Memphis, Tennessee. Tragically, his parents died when he was a young boy, leaving him an orphan at the age of 11. He was sent to a boarding school in Connecticut, where he was one of only 10 African American children in a school of 500. He went on to Tufts University and graduated with a degree in Education.
Rubin has since received a master’s degree in Educational Administration from UMASS Boston. He currently sits on the Principal’s Center Advisory Board at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, the College Committee for the Bedford METCO program and is chairman of the foundation for Excellent Schools Mentoring program.
He was twice named the Boston Globe “Coach of the Year,” in 1985 and 1992, and received the Mayor Thomas Menino African American Achievement Award in 1999.
Rubin still finds time to volunteer as a coach and referee at the Roxbury YMCA. He lives in Mattapan with his wife, Danette. They have three children.