60Dr. Martin Stewart Karp has devoted more than 30 years to advancing education through hands-on involvement, innovative leadership, and a consistent focus on what benefits students most. His work spans teaching, school leadership, policymaking, and community service, all built on the principle that meaningful change happens when you actively engage in the process.
He earned his Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, an M.Ed., and a B.B.A. with a specialization in Marketing from the University of Miami. He also completed an M.S./M.B.A. at Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications. This combination of educational, business, and communication expertise has equipped him to navigate both the instructional and operational sides of education.
Martin Karp began his career as a teacher, bringing creativity and practical solutions to the classroom. At Biscayne Elementary, he developed a gifted program that included students from both public and private schools, setting an example for collaboration across systems. In his role as an Exceptional Student Education (E.S.E.) specialist and department chairperson, he organized student fairs to highlight the accomplishments of students with special needs. Working with Lehrman Community Day School, he helped design one of the district’s earliest public-private gifted education models, giving students a shared, enriched learning experience regardless of their school background.
He also saw the value of using media to promote education. He created and produced WKDZ Kids’ World, a weekly educational program featuring student work and classroom activities, which aired on Cable TAP and WLRN-TV Channel 17. This initiative reflected his belief that showcasing students’ efforts inspires pride and encourages learning.
From 2004 until 2020, Dr. Karp served four terms on the Miami-Dade County School Board. His leadership brought forward policies that addressed real student needs, including later high school start times, healthier school environments, vaping prevention, expanded gifted and science programs, and increased support for students with disabilities. Throughout his service, his decisions were guided by a clear commitment to student success.
Today, Dr. Martin Karp is Chief of Staff to the Head of Schools for a network affiliated with Talmudic University. His work includes overseeing daily operations, managing contracts, leading strategic planning, and supporting academic divisions at all levels. At Yeshiva Elementary School, he founded the Success Center, a program designed for students who excel outside traditional classrooms. The program blends reading, writing, and math instruction with STEM activities, guest speakers, and enrichment opportunities, ensuring students learn in ways that match their strengths.
His contributions go far beyond his professional roles in education. Since 1995, he has been involved with Miami-Dade Animal Services and the Humane Society through the H.O.P.E. Contest, a student competition that promotes animal welfare. He has also served for decades in Scouting USA, taking on roles such as Assistant Scoutmaster, Cubmaster, and Advancement Chairman, fostering leadership skills and values in young people.
Dr. Karp has also been a strong supporter of public broadcasting, serving for more than 16 years on the WLRN Community Advisory Board, where he reviews and edits lesson plans for award-winning documentaries. He has lent his expertise to organizations such as The Children’s Trust and the New World School of the Arts, consistently working to strengthen programs that benefit the community.
His dedication has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Yeshiva Elementary/Middle/Aderes Schools Educational Leadership Award, Cervantes Outstanding Educator Award, Guardian of Youth Philanthropy Award, induction into the Miami Beach Senior High School Hall of Fame, Helping Hands Award, People, Pets & Vets Award, PTA/PTSA Lifetime Legacy Award, and Teacher of the Year Award. He has also served multiple terms as Vice Chair of the Miami-Dade School Board.
Dr. Karp has shared his perspective on education through op-eds in the Miami Herald, interviews on television and radio, and as a guest speaker at community events and educational forums. He has addressed issues such as mental health in schools, opioid awareness, effective educational policies, and managing change in large school systems. His approach remains straightforward, non-political, and entirely centered on what is best for students.
For Dr. Martin Karp, the real measure of success lies in the students who have thrived, the programs that have made an impact, and the communities that have grown stronger as a result of his work. He and his wife Danielle are raising their three sons — Herschel, Benjamin, and Samson Raphael — in a home where education, service, and community are everyday values.