Martin Karp

Martin Karp holds a 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 earned an M.S./M.B.A. from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communications, giving him a unique combination of skills in education, business, and communication.

He began his career as a teacher, where he introduced creative and inclusive approaches to learning. At Biscayne Elementary, he developed a gifted program that welcomed students from both public and private schools, breaking down barriers between educational systems. As an Exceptional Student Education (E.S.E.) specialist and department chairperson, he organized fairs that highlighted the achievements of students with special needs. In collaboration with Lehrman Community Day School, he co-created one of the first public-private gifted education programs in the district, giving students from different backgrounds access to a shared, enriched learning environment.

Dr. Martin also brought education into the media space by producing WKDZ Kids’ World, a weekly TV program showcasing student projects and classroom activities. Broadcast on Cable TAP and WLRN-TV Channel 17, the program reflected his belief that students should be recognized for their work and that learning can be made engaging through different platforms.

In 2004, he was elected to the Miami-Dade County School Board, where he served for 16 years. During his time on the board, he worked on initiatives to improve student health, adjust high school start times, expand gifted and science programs, enhance services for students with disabilities, and raise awareness about vaping. Each initiative was designed to address practical needs and create better learning conditions.

Today, Dr. Karp serves as Chief of Staff to the Head of Schools for a network affiliated with Talmudic University. In this role, he oversees operations, manages contracts, coordinates strategy, and supports academic divisions from elementary through post-secondary education. At Yeshiva Elementary School, he established the Success Center, a program designed for students who thrive outside traditional classroom models. This center combines core academics with STEM projects, guest speakers, and enrichment activities to help each student progress according to their strengths and learning style.

Outside of his professional work in schools, Dr. Martin Karp has spent decades contributing to the community. Since 1995, he has been involved with Miami-Dade Animal Services and the Humane Society through the H.O.P.E. Contest, encouraging students to advocate for animal welfare. His commitment to youth extends through his long service in Scouting USA, where he has taken on leadership roles including Assistant Scoutmaster, Cubmaster, and Advancement Chairman.

He has also dedicated more than 16 years to the WLRN Community Advisory Board, where he reviews and edits educational content linked to award-winning documentaries. Additionally, he has worked with organizations such as The Children’s Trust and the New World School of the Arts, offering his expertise to strengthen programs and services for the community.

Dr. Karp’s efforts have been recognized with many awards, 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.

Throughout his career, he has shared his perspectives through op-eds in the Miami Herald, television and radio appearances, and speaking engagements on topics such as mental health in schools, opioid awareness, effective school policy, and adapting to change in large education systems. His communication style is straightforward and always guided by what benefits students most.

For Dr. Martin Karp, the true impact of his work is seen in the improved learning environments, the opportunities created for students, and the stronger communities that result from his efforts. Alongside his wife Danielle, he is raising three sons — Herschel, Benjamin, and Samson Raphael — instilling in them the same dedication to education, service, and community that has shaped his own life.