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Lexington teacher makes history as first Black man to receive state’s top award for educators

LEXINGTON, Mass. — A Lexington teacher has made history, becoming the first Black man to receive the state’s top award for educators, the teacher’s union said Friday.

De’Shawn Washington, a fourth-grade teacher at the Maria Hastings Elementary School in Lexington, was named Massachusetts Teacher of the Year, the Massachusetts Teacher’s Association said in a social media post on Friday.

“Congratulations to newly named Mass. Teacher of the Year De’Shawn Washington!” the union posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

The elementary school also posted a video of Washington accepting the award, in front of a large student audience.

Students cheered as Washington’s name was announced, and as he accepted the award.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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