Meria Carstarphen, superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools, has nearly 20 years of experience in educational leadership, primarily in urban school districts. Her previous roles included superintendent in Austin, Texas, from 2009 to 2014 and administrator in St. Paul, Minnesota, and the District of Columbia. She serves as a commissioner and distinguished educator on the National Commission on Social, Emotional, and Academic Development, hosted by the Aspen Institute. Q: Why have you made social and emotional learning (SEL) a priority in your work as superintendent in Atlanta and previously in Austin? A: If you want 100% of kids to have a successful school experience, you have to meet them where they are at and teach the whole child. If students don’t think they matter or don’t