Mike Martello, Principal of Baker School, is born and raised in Baker and has deep roots in his community. A proud 1988 graduate of Baker School, Mike starts each morning at 5AM with coffee, a devotional, and a positive mindset before heading to campus to lead nearly 1,500 students.

• From morning announcements that inspire his staff and students to afternoons spent juggling everything from administrative meetings to plumbing fixes, Mike’s approach to leadership is grounded in faith, humility, and the belief that every day is worth using “for something good.”

Are you a life-long local, if not, where are you from originally and how did you end up in the area?

I was born and raised in Baker and have lived in the area most of my life.

What’s your current job title and where do you work?

As a proud 1988 graduate of Baker School, I currently have the privilege to serve as Principal at Baker!

What’s your morning routine?

Wake up at 5 a.m., enjoy a cup of coffee with my wife and we spend time with a daily spiritual devotional reading.

Describe what a typical workday looks like for you.

People used to refer to us as “little ole’ Baker School.” However, we currently have almost 1,500 students, so “little” probably isn’t accurate. With a school that size, I change hats multiple times a day. One moment I could be meeting with our admin team scheduling coverage for the many activities we have going on, and then I could be assisting with a plumbing issue or supervising lunch. So a typical day is filled with a variety of activities.

What’s the first thing you do when you get to work (or start your workday)?

I start every morning at Baker School with a positive message to the entire campus during our announcements. The message is, “Use this day for something good, because you are exchanging a day of your life to be here!”

What tools, apps, or gadgets can’t you live without?

Like most folks these days, I feel like I am chained to my cell phone and my iPad!

Apple or Android?

Apple.

What’s your go-to coffee (or tea) order?

Hot, Venti, White Chocolate Mocha.

What’s your go-to lunch spot or work snack?

At my desk with a Little Caesars Hot-n-Ready Pizza. One pizza is lunch for four days.

What’s one local business you love supporting?

Baker is a small community. Therefore local businesses are constantly asked to support the many organizations and clubs we have on campus. I love to support all the local businesses that donate time, talent, and money to help us give our students the best school experience we can provide.

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?

Don’t try to fill your mentor’s shoes, but strive to walk the same path!

If you could give your 20-year-old self a piece of advice, what would it be?

“You can learn something from everyone — only most of the time, it’s what not to do!” — Abraham Lincoln

How do you unwind after a long day?

Yard work. I raise chickens and love riding the lawn mower!

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?

I raise chickens and love riding the lawn mower!

What’s your favorite local event or tradition?

Homecoming in Baker is always a special community event!

What’s inspiring you right now (book, podcast, person, hobby)?

C.S. Lewis: The Screwtape Letters. A very interesting take on good vs. evil!

Early bird or night owl?

Night owl.

Most used emoji?

Thumbs up!

Music while working — yes or no? (and if yes, what’s on your playlist?)

Some days! My playlist is a mix of Today’s Country, Old School Jamz, and the occasional Smooth Jazz session!

Favorite motivational quote?

“What we do in life… echoes in eternity!”

Standing desk or sitting? Mix?

Mix, but mostly sitting.

If you could give any advice for someone getting into the same field as you, what advice would you give?

I would remind them that there is no other profession that has the ability to impact every other profession, so hold yourself and those around you to high expectations.

Anything we missed that you want to add?

As an educator, you are exchanging a day of your life to be on campus — strive to do something good.
As always… GO GATORS!