Teachers

56 testimonials — part of more than 300 written and video tributes to Dr. Karp’s work in Miami-Dade.

The quotes below were obtained from e-mails, social media posts, other online posts, and handwritten letters. Teacher, faculty, and student names are not provided at this time except for those I could reach at the time this was posted. This is not a comprehensive list as some correspondences included confidential information.

“I am stunned. Please tell Dr. Karp that my students thank him, I am sure my principal will thank him, and this very grateful adviser (with some tears in her eyes) thanks him. I don’t know what else to say.”

Mary K. Sullivan, Newspaper and Yearbook Advisor

“We would like to sincerely thank you for putting your trust into our drama program.”

Mimi Davila, Michael Krop High School Drama Officer

“I worked with Marty for 10 years. His kindness and skill in the classroom prepared him for the excellent job he demonstrated on the school board.”

Harriet Ribotsky

“His track record is a true testament of his ability and dedication to the community.”

Shirley Brown

“Thank you for your service to MDCPS and all that you have done for us teachers and students.”

Adam Bernstein, Computer Science Teacher

“Dr. Karp has an unwavering commitment to the students and staff of Miami-Dade public schools. His decades of experience in the classroom and academic leadership are exemplary. Martin is well-equipped to address the challenges our schools in Miami-Dade County face today. He has demonstrated his dedication to fostering and enriching the educational environment for all students. His prior years on the school board were ones of academic growth and excellence for our students.”

Hayley Ross

“Dr. Karp,

I liked what you said to my students in the office.

"We are a team. Together, we will solve the problem."

In saying that, you empowered those children. They all beamed, realizing that they have a voice in making a difference. Few words, potent lesson.”

Daniel A.

“All you’ve done was beyond remarkable. You are soft spoken, but a loudly passionate person. You have set the bar very high for whomever sits on the board in your place. Congratulations on all the amazing things your tenure on that school board accomplished.

Ira Levine”

Name withheld

“I just wanted to thank you for your service & all you’ve done for your schools, including Krop of course. You are loved & appreciated.”

Name withheld

“You led with great heart. Intellect, and passion! You made an incredible impact on this community and in the lives of so many. I am proud of all your accomplishments and proud to call you a friend.”

Name withheld

“I’m so proud of you, you make such a difference in this world that we live in and all of your initiatives were so right on, so important so crucial and meaningful! It’s an honor to know you and to be your friend.”

Name withheld

“Thank you so much for all of your support. Our parents know it was your support that helped us through these tough times.”

Name withheld

“Thank you, Dr. Karp, and congratulations on a well-run career as a school board member.”

Name withheld

“Martin Karp was always responsive and professional. He showed genuine concern for the students and teachers, and he always focused on their best interests. Dr. Karp is that rare educator whom students, teachers and parents can invariably trust to provide genuine compassion and expert subject and policy matter knowledge in both the school and the larger community.”

Robert Loupo

“I would like to express my sincerest gratitude for the hard work you have exhibited. I would also like to thank you for defending and standing up for the voices that some people seem to forget, the voices of the students.”

Name withheld

“I thank you as your behavior is always that of a true professional.”

Name withheld

“I watched the entire School Board Meeting and was so happy when YOU TOOK A STAND! Many thanks!”

Name withheld

“I watched the entire meeting. You were FANTASTIC!

Thank you for all that you do.”

Name withheld

“Thank you for such a speedy response. That's why you are the best! Have a God blessed day and keep on, keepin' on!”

Name withheld

“Thank you for your encouragement and assistance throughout the years - you have been amazing!”

Doug Burris

“Dr. Karp, Let me begin by thanking you for your service on the board, but especially your commitment to excellence in Science. I have had the pleasure of working with you at the STEAM Expo as well as the awards banquet. It was a pleasure getting to meet you and working with you in our shared areas of involvement.”

Vickie Burley Pre-K ESE Teacher Classroom #3

“Thank you for your years of service to the children and families of MDCPS and all that has been accomplished under your direction and support.

Respectfully,”

Dr. Guillermo L. Garcia, N.B.C.T.

“Dear Dr. Karp,

I want to thank you for all that you have done... for me, my family, and our larger community. I admire you greatly.”

Name withheld

“Dear Dr. Martin Karp Thank you for doing a wonderful job in making sure our children get the education they deserve.

You’re the best.”

Name withheld

“Dr. Karp, I just wanted to say thank you for both reading and responding to my concerns (and so quickly). I am very impressed as a taxpayer and as an employee to see someone that actually takes the time to make everyone feel like they are being heard. Thanks again for taking the time to show that you care!”

Name withheld

“Dr. Karp,

I appreciate your obvious concern for this and all matters I bring to you. I have never had a board member get back to me as quickly as you (and your staff members) always manage to do. I just wanted you to know that even though all you hear is complaints, your prompt attention to my concerns is greatly appreciated. You are doing a great job for all of us up here at NMB. Thank you for looking out for your teachers. God bless you and maintain your strength and wisdom.”

Name withheld

“Thank you for looking out for your teachers.”

Name withheld

“God bless you and maintain your strength and wisdom.”

Name withheld

“Dear Dr. Karp,

I attended several Holocaust Summer Institutes with Dr. Kassenoff, and had the pleasure of hearing you speak, albeit briefly, and seeing your strong support for and dedication to public education in that domain.

And of course, I often heard your remarks, comments, and proposals during many MDCPS Board Meetings on the radio - always presented gently, but with a solid core and aimed at lifting education to the next higher level.

Your accomplishments are manyfold and impressive, so as an educator I wanted to express my gratitude and reconnaissance for all that you have done for us teachers and for our students, and for the community of Miami as a whole. Thank you for the many years that you have guided, challenged, and inspired us all. I feel I have become a better educator under the leadership of this Board and its Superintendent. Wishing you the very best for the next chapter in your professional life, which I project to be as rich in achievements and rewarding as your previous 16 years with the MDCPS.

Sincerely yours, Merci & Dankeschoen from a thankful teacher.”

Faye Reby

“Thanks so much for caring for the educators who have been working hard for over 23 years.”

Name withheld

“Thank you Dr. Karp and congratulations on a well-run career as a school board member.”

Shawn Beightol Chemistry Ferguson Sr High

“Dr. Karp,

I have been teaching for a while and in different states and you're the 1st to show the care and compassion in helping our most vulnerable. Thank you.

Sincerely,”

Gustavo Ortega, Pre-K ASD Teacher

“Your accomplishments are manyfold and impressive, so as an educator I wanted to express my gratitude and recognition for all that you have done for us teachers and for our students, and for the community of Miami as a whole. Thank you for the many years that you have guided, challenged, and inspired us all. I feel I have become a better educator under the leadership of this Board and its Superintendent.”

Name withheld

“Thanks so much for caring for the educators who have been working hard for over 23 years.”

Name withheld

“Dear Dr. Karp,

You have been such an asset to our community. It's incredible how much you've accomplished during your tenure. Your contributions are appreciated. You have always been an advocate for public education. I've listened to Miami-Dade School Board meetings feeling proud that you were always there to represent District 3. It was clear how much you cared and how respected you were. You have quite a legacy to be proud of! Thank you for everything you've done.”

Name withheld

“I want to thank you for all your hard work and dedication. My favorite is bringing awareness of the animals and students together. As we know how important they are in our community and families.”

Name withheld

“Hello,

You are so Professional and so very Kind.”

Name withheld

“Good Morning Dr. Karp,

It meant so much to me and my parents to know that someone from your prominence had taken the time out to personally visit and see what we were dealing with first-hand. Dr. Karp, your visit and prompt response is something that I will forever be grateful for. It is my pleasure to work here in this district and at this school. I look forward to many more successful years.”

Name withheld

“Your services are appreciated. Thank you for fighting on behalf of students and educators.”

Name withheld

“Dr. Karp,

Thank you for your incredible leadership and fair representation of all of us on the School Board. I always felt that you held our interests in mind and that you supported us completely.

Warm Regards,”

Blanca R. Hindle, M.Ed. Project Director, Department of Mathematics and Science

“Good morning, Dr. Karp,

You have been an amazing educator and leader always willing to support the needs of others to build a highly effective educational system.”

Name withheld

“You have been nothing short of an incredible asset to the entirety of the community and have not just made an impact, but a tremendous difference in the lives of so many.”

Todd Rubinstein, Ed. S, USPTA, APC, CIC, Exceptional Student Education Department Chair, Mourning High Head Tennis Coach, 2018 USPTA National High School Coach of the Year

“Thank you for putting our students’ wellbeing first. Your tenure and leadership will have a lasting impact on generations to come.

Thank you again for your service.”

Armando J. Guitzerrez, Ed.D.

“I appreciate the work that you did on behalf of the community. But more than that I cherish the friendship that was forged throughout the years.”

Name withheld

“Good evening,

I want to send my sincere appreciation for your time and work. As I listened to the Board Meeting last night and into early morning, I was and am very grateful for your commitment to our community. Thank you.”

Name withheld

“Hi Dr. Karp,

It is comforting to know that someone with such integrity and insight is representing our district.

Sincerely,”

Leslee Vichengrad Madie Ives Elementary

“Hello Dr. Karp,

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for devoting time at our school and, in particular, for delighting my class with your very pleasant visit. The visibility of a leader is a trait that I highly value. I appreciate your efforts to be present in order to witness the realities faced by the dedicated folks who serve the children of our great school district. Have a wonderful weekend!”

Name withheld

“Thank you for investing in the most critical aspect of quality public education – the teachers.”

Name withheld

“Your leadership in bringing home this referendum will make a quality difference in teachers' lives and in the lives of their dependent children.

By relieving financial pressure, you will allow us to focus more on our students and will see the results in our faces and in our classrooms.”

Shawn Beightol

“My students and I would like to thank you for your visit. We appreciate the fact that you took time from a busy day to explain some of the facets of public education that affect us. Often, we want to be a part of the solution, but don’t know the how. You took us a great step in that direction, and you were warm, open and honest. We especially appreciate that.”

Mrs. Mary Kay Sullivan, Adviser

“Dr. Karp,

Your care for our students will enable me to be more creative and effective as I teach my second graders, not only for the remainder of this year, but for years to come.”

Name withheld

“Hello Dr. Karp,

You don't know how refreshing it is for me to see a leader who stays close to those whom he serves. I thank you for all that you do on behalf of our students.”

Name withheld

“Your leadership and professional actions have spoken volumes in regard to our children and this community.”

Name withheld

“May G-D continue to bless you and keep you in a position to be a "voice" for all our children!”

Name withheld

“It was a pleasure having you visit my classroom. You don’t know how refreshing it is for me to see a leader who stays close to those whom he serves.”

Dr. Jesus

“Dear Dr. Karp,

Permit me to say that at last, you have justified my voting for you in each of your elections. I should say, at least you delivered something valuable directly to me and my family. You made it happen. Period. You covered Principal Randy Milliken’s back. You covered my daughter’s mentor’s back. All I can do is to thank you from the depth of my love for my daughter and to pledge to you my continued support, especially in the voting booth.

Sincerely yours,”

Eric A. Moss, EESAC Member, North Miami Beach Senior High
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