Martin Karp

For more than 30 years, Dr. Martin Stewart Karp has been actively engaged in the work of improving education. He has taught in classrooms, led schools, served on the school board, and developed policies aimed at helping students. His career reflects a consistent belief that making a difference requires participation and persistence.

Educational Background

Martin Karp holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, a Master of Education, and a Bachelor of Business Administration with a specialization in Marketing from the University of Miami. He also earned a master’s degree through the M.S./M.B.A. program at Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications. These academic achievements have supported both his direct teaching and his leadership roles.

Experience Across Roles

Over the years, Dr. Karp has served as a teacher, principal, and school board member, and now works as Chief of Staff to a network of independent schools. His professional focus has been on strengthening educational opportunities for all students, including expanding gifted education and providing support for those with special needs.

His career has also included roles in publishing and media, serving as Business Manager for Southern Playbill Publishing and as Circulation Director for Miami Beach Magazine.

From Classroom Teacher to Educational Leader

Dr. Karp began as a dedicated classroom teacher before moving into leadership positions in school operations. At Biscayne Elementary, he developed a gifted program that enrolled students from both public and private schools, fostering collaboration across educational settings.

He has served as an Exceptional Student Education (E.S.E.) specialist and Department Chairperson, organizing student fairs to highlight special education programs. In partnership with Lehrman Community Day School, he helped design one of the district’s first public-private gifted education models, allowing students from different backgrounds to learn together.

His work extended into educational media production, creating WKDZ Kids’ World, a weekly television program highlighting student projects and classroom activities, broadcast on Cable TAP and WLRN-TV Channel 17.

Service on the Miami-Dade County School Board

From 2004 to 2020, Martin Karp served four consecutive terms on the Miami-Dade County School Board. His initiatives focused on improving student well-being, adjusting high school start times, educating students on the dangers of vaping, expanding programs for students with disabilities, and enhancing science and gifted education.

Current Position

As Chief of Staff to the Head of Schools for a consortium affiliated with Talmudic University, Dr. Karp manages contracts, leads meetings, develops strategic plans, and oversees academic programs across K-8, high school, and post-secondary levels.

He also created the Success Center at Yeshiva Elementary School, a program for students who benefit from nontraditional learning environments. This center combines reading, writing, and math instruction with STEM projects and enrichment activities. The program’s purpose is to help every student progress according to their abilities and strengths.

To better measure student progress, he introduced assessment tools and implemented personalized learning plans tailored to individual interests.

Commitment to the Community

Dr. Martin Karp’s service extends beyond his professional roles. Since 1995, he has been involved with Miami-Dade Animal Services and the Humane Society through the H.O.P.E. Contest (Help Our Pets Everyday/Help Overcome Pet Euthanasia), an educational program encouraging students to learn about animal welfare.

He has been active in Scouting USA since the 1980s, serving as Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 36, Cubmaster, and Advancement Chairman. In public broadcasting, he has contributed for over 16 years as a member of the WLRN Community Advisory Board, reviewing and editing lesson plans for award-winning documentaries.

Dr. Karp has also worked with The Children’s Trust, the New World School of the Arts, and other civic organizations dedicated to youth and community development.

Awards and Recognition

His work has been recognized through numerous awards, including:

• Yeshiva Elementary/Middle/Aderes Schools Educational Leadership Award

• Cervantes Outstanding Educator Award (Nova Southeastern University)

• Guardian of Youth Philanthropy Award (SHAPE)

• Hall of Fame Induction (Miami Beach Senior High School)

• Helping Hands Award (Jewish Community Services of South Florida)

• People, Pets & Vets Award (South Florida Veterinary Foundation)

• PTA/PTSA Lifetime Legacy Award (Miami-Dade County)

• Teacher of the Year Award (Biscayne Elementary School)

He has also served as Vice Chair of the Miami-Dade School Board during the terms 2006–07, 2012–13, 2017–18, and 2018–19.

Sharing Knowledge Through Media

Dr. Karp has consistently used media to inform the public on educational issues. He has appeared on local television and radio and written opinion pieces for the Miami Herald that reflect his practical and student-centered approach.

As a guest speaker, he has addressed topics such as mental health in schools, effective school policy, opioid awareness, and strategies for managing change in large educational systems.

Lasting Contributions

Dr. Martin Karp’s impact is seen in the programs he has established, the students he has helped, and the policies he has supported. His career has always been centered on placing students first and creating systems that adapt to their needs.

He shares his values of education, service, and community with his family. Together with his wife, Danielle, he is raising three sons — Herschel, Benjamin, and Samson Raphael — who have grown up with the same principles that have guided his work.

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