Staff Spotlight: Trent Baker-Community Outreach Specialist for Lincoln TeamMates Mentoring

Every week, we’ll shine a spotlight on one Lincoln Public Schools staff member! Get to know the wonderful people making a positive impact across various areas within LPS. This week, meet Trent Baker, community outreach specialist at Lincoln TeamMates Mentoring.

“Trent is the kindest person you'll ever meet. He truly cares for students and wants to help them to achieve their full potential. He has also made connections with almost everyone in the building and makes them all feel welcomed and comforted. He is doing GREAT work for LPS!” - Audrey Watson, match support specialist at Lincoln TeamMates Mentoring.

In a few sentences, briefly describe your role at LPS.
I'm a community outreach specialist for TeamMates Mentoring. I connect with people to get the word out about TeamMates. Whether it's one-on-one conversations or talking to large groups (businesses, non-profits, organizations), I get to educate people and inspire them to join the impacting dynamic of mentoring through TeamMates.

How long have you worked for LPS?
Just over a year.

What inspired you to become part of the education field at LPS?
I've always had a passion for mentoring. Getting to promote mentoring through an impacting/reputable organization like TeamMates was an incredible opportunity.

What has been your favorite part of working here? What aspect of your job do you find most rewarding?
My coworkers, the TeamMates staff, are incredible people. They are positive, incredibly talented, and fun people. We're serious about mentoring for sure, but we share a lot of laughs, give each other a hard time and have a great time together.

Did you attend LPS as a student? If so, which school(s)? If not, where are you from?
I went to elementary school in Flagstaff, Arizona. I did middle and high school in Grand Island.

What path did you take after completing your formal education?
I attended Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas, for an undergraduate degree in biology and pre-communication disorders. I obtained a master's degree in speech-language pathology from UNL.

What do you enjoy most about the Lincoln community?
I love the diversity. I've met and am friends with people from Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Mexico, El Salvador, Israel, Korea, Great Britain, Brazil, Canada, Sudan, Cameroon, etc. What a privilege to not just learn of but learn from so many great people.

What is your favorite childhood book or a book that has influenced you positively?
“To Kill a Mockingbird” was a life-changing book for me.

Share a shout out to a former teacher who impacted your life.
Shout out to Mr. Rex Barker, my high school band teacher, in Grand Island. (Go Vikings!) He was an incredible encourager, teacher and mentor! Thanks Mr. Barker for teaching me incredible things about music AND how to be a leader.

Do you know a LPS staff member we should feature for Staff Spotlight? Fill out this form to nominate them!

---