In honor of Black History Month East Boston resident and longtime educator Rashaun Martin received the state’s Black Excellence on the Hill during a State House ceremony at the end of February.
The Black Excellence on the Hill award celebrates black culture, excellence, and achievement in the Commonwealth. The award by the Massachusetts Black and Latino Caucus honors the unsung heroes that make our communities thrive.
Martin was nominated for the award by East Boston State Rep. Adrian Madaro.
“I was proud to nominate Rashaun Martin for this award,” said Representative Madaro. “He is an experienced leader in the field of education whose contributions to Massachusetts school districts are marked by a deep commitment to public service.”
Martin was Madaro’s eighth grade history teacher at Boston Latin School and the two have remained close friends. Madaro said Martin continues to be a mentor.
“He instilled in me and many others a love of history, government, and community service,” said Madaro. “It is a privilege to be able to honor him with this recognition.”
Martin, a longtime teacher, administrator, and youth mentor, has over 20 years of experience in the classroom, the principal’s office, and school districts.
Through his work he has impacted the lives of countless students throughout his career.
Martin began career as a history teacher at Boston Latin School and later went on to be named Principal of Cathedral High School in the South End.
After his tenure at Cathedral Martin became District Supervisor for Social Studies and World Languages at Haverhill Public Schools, Interim Principal of City on a Hill Charter Public Schools, and an educator at the USS Constitution Museum.
He currently works as the Educators of Color Cultivation & Retention Specialist at Boston Public Schools. At BPS Martin works to ensure that students attending BPS can learn from and look up to a diverse community of teachers whose backgrounds more closely reflect their own.
“He is deeply committed to the community and volunteers his time to local organizations and causes,” said Madaro. “Mr. Martin is the type of teacher who always goes above and beyond and his mentorship has been a constant guide and example to his students both during and after their time in the classroom.”