Students who are enrolled in Psychology of Racism 213 this fall were greeted at the chalkboard not only by a nationally recognized expert on race relations—Beverly Daniel Tatum, author of "Why Are All The Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?" And Other Conversations About Race and dean of the College —but by another teacher who has a sound understanding of racial/ ethnic identity development, a key component of the course content. Susan Pliner, who is also an experienced social justice educator, is coteaching the class with Tatum. Of her collaboration with Pliner Tatum says, "It gives students the opportunity to hear from both a white woman and a woman of color on the topic, and I think multiple perspectives in this context are especially useful. Also, Susan’s expertise as SAW coordinator will bring an enhanced focus on the development of speaking and writing skills in the course. I’m very happy to have the opportunity to teach the course with her this semester."

Pliner comes to the Tuesday afternoon class from the Weissman Center for Leadership, located in Porter Hall, where she is indeed the new program coordinator for the Speaking, Arguing, and Writing (SAW) Program. It is a new role for Pliner but not her first time working at MHC. As a consultant to the College on study skills and disability awareness, Pliner became familiar with the MHC community and student leadership on campus. In her new capacity, she looks forward to the type of student contact she enjoyed as a consultant. "I love working with students," she said. "I always learn something amazing from them." And students are sure to learn some amazing things from Pliner, as she shares her wealth of knowledge and work experience. She holds four degrees from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst: a bachelor of arts degree in secondary education, a master of education degree in special education, a certificate of advanced graduate study in social justice education, and a doctor of education degree in human development.

With that expertise, Pliner has taught at Hampshire College, the University of Massachusetts, Holyoke Community College, Westfield State College, and Lesley University’s Graduate School of Education. She also has directed programs in peer mentoring, disabilities services, and study skills at the University of Massachusetts, Columbia University, and Brown University, among other institutions and has experience developing student writing within the curriculum. In addition to her involvement with consulting work, conference presentations, publications, professional memberships, and grant proposals, she finds time to serve on the board of directors of the National Association of Multicultural Education.

Says Tamara Burk, director of SAW, "We are so fortunate that Susan decided to join Marjorie Kochanowicz and myself at SAW. Her energy, diverse expertise, and interest in writing brings a lot to our team. I am already enjoying collaborating with her on programs and activities with both faculty and students, and look forward to much more to come." As SAW coordinator, Pliner will work with Burk to hire and train fifty or so students who will serve as mentors in speaking- and writing-intensive classes, or as assistants in the SAW offices. Pliner and Burk will work with these students to solidify the questioning and critical thinking skills they will need as they collaborate with faculty members to help MHC students hone their oral and written communication skills. Pliner’s reach will extend beyond SAW’s mentors and assistants, as she collaborates on campuswide initiatives and student leadership activities. "I look forward to developing fantastic critical thinkers," Pliner said, "because critical thinkers change the world."