About Martin Karp
Chief of Staff to the Head of Schools
Dr. Martin Stewart Karp has dedicated more than three decades to advancing education through teaching, leadership, and policy-making. With a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, master’s and bachelor’s degrees from the University of Miami, and an additional master’s degree from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications, his academic background reflects a commitment to learning and leadership. His work spans classroom teaching, school administration, and strategic planning, all rooted in the belief that real change happens when you actively shape the system for students’ benefit.
Throughout his career, Martin Karp has been a classroom teacher, principal, school board member, and now serves as Chief of Staff for a network of independent schools. His philosophy centers on the transformative power of education, guiding efforts that range from supporting student well-being and special needs services to expanding gifted programs. His background in media and publishing, including roles at Southern Playbill Publishing and Miami Beach Magazine, adds another dimension to his professional experience, showing his ability to connect education with broader communication and outreach initiatives.
In his early years as a teacher, he demonstrated an ability to innovate within the classroom. At Biscayne Elementary, he developed a unique gifted program that served public and private school students, breaking down education barriers. His work as an Exceptional Student Education specialist and Department Chairperson included initiatives such as student fairs highlighting special education. Collaborating with Lehrman Community Day School, he pioneered a public-private gifted education model that enriched the learning experience for diverse groups of students, reflecting his dedication to inclusive excellence.
His creativity extended beyond the classroom into educational broadcasting. He produced WKDZ Kids’ World, a weekly television program showcasing students and classroom projects, aired on Cable TAP and WLRN-TV. Serving four consecutive terms on the Miami-Dade County School Board from 2004 to 2020, he championed policies that addressed students’ real needs, from healthier school environments to later high school start times, vaping education, expanded special needs services, and enriched science and gifted education programs. His work in governance consistently reflected a focus on practical solutions to enhance learning.
Dr. Martin Karp manages the daily operations, contracts, and strategy for a consortium affiliated with Talmudic University, overseeing divisions from elementary through post-secondary education. At Yeshiva Elementary School, he founded the Success Center, a program designed for students who thrive outside traditional classrooms. This initiative blends core academic skills with STEM projects and enrichment activities, offering a tailored approach to learning that meets each child’s strengths and interests. His leadership emphasizes data-informed decisions while always focusing on the students’ individual growth.
Martin has been deeply engaged in community service outside the classroom for decades. He has supported causes related to children, education, and animals, including his long-standing involvement with Miami-Dade Animal Services and the Humane Society through the H.O.P.E. Contest, which raises awareness about animal welfare. His commitment to youth extends to Scouting USA, where he has served in leadership roles since the 1980s, and to public broadcasting as a long-time WLRN Community Advisory Board member, contributing to educational programming and lesson plan development for award-winning documentaries.
Karp’s dedication is further reflected in the many organizations he has served, including The Children’s Trust, the New World School of the Arts, and numerous civic groups. His contributions have earned him recognition such as the Yeshiva Elementary/Middle/Aderes Schools Educational Leadership Award, the Cervantes Outstanding Educator Award, the Guardian of Youth Philanthropy Award, and induction into the Miami Beach Senior High School Hall of Fame. Additional honors include the Helping Hands Award, People, Pets & Vets Award, PTA/PTSA Lifetime Legacy Award, and Teacher of the Year at Biscayne Elementary.
As an advocate for education, He has frequently engaged the public through the media. He has appeared on local TV and radio, written op-eds for the Miami Herald, and spoken at forums and educational summits on mental health in schools, effective policy-making, opioid awareness, and managing change in large education systems. His approach is consistently straightforward, guided not by political agendas but by a clear focus on what best serves students and strengthens schools.
Ultimately, Martin Karp’s legacy is defined not by titles or accolades but by his tangible impact on students, schools, and communities. His career has been a steady commitment to meeting students where they are, building systems that respond to their needs, and fostering environments where learning can thrive. Alongside his professional work, he values his role as a husband and father, raising three sons in a home where education, service, and community engagement are part of everyday life.
Martin Karp's Gallery Section
