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Top Teaching Honors Go to Edwin M. Cooperman Designated Professor in Law Alan C. Michaels

March 19, 2007

 

Criminal Law Professor Alan C. Michaels is the recipient of a 2007 Ohio State University Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching. For peers, the profession, and students, he personifies the superior teaching the award was created to honor.

Professor Michaels joins a select group of gifted Moritz teachers to have been voted Outstanding Professor of the Year by a graduating class not once, but twice and an even more select group of four Moritz professors to have also been selected for the university's Alumni Award for Distinguished Teaching.

A sampling of teaching evaluations reflect students' regard for his teaching talents, "Michaels is by far the best instructor I have had yet; One of the best profs I've had at Moritz; My favorite class, it has persuaded me to go into criminal law; He really is everything a law professor should be."

Outside of the classroom, he coaches the Criminal Law Moot Court Team, advises two student groups, and mentors students as co-managing editor of the OSJCL.

While associate dean, Professor Michaels organized and moderated a host of faculty panels designed to enrich students' intellectual lives and place legal theory in new and unusual contexts. His panels on the legal ramifications of the 2000 presidential election, the legal aftermath of September 11, and Enron's collapse filled Saxbe auditorium and created aftershocks of spirited student debates.

His peers are no less enthusiastic about Professor Michaels' teaching. James W. Shocknessy Professor of Law Arthur F. Greenbaum says Professor Michaels is, "One of the finest classroom teachers I have ever observed. It is clear to me that he performs at the top of our craft."

Professor Michaels' teaching is not limited to students. Associate Dean Donald Tobin has been the beneficiary of Professor Michaels' teaching expertise. "When I was a new professor, I often consulted with Professor Michaels about teaching in the classroom. His advice was incredibly valuable and insightful. During those discussions, he was doing what he does best – he was teaching me to be a better teacher."

Professor Michaels' teaching is recognized at the national level as well. In 2001, he was selected to give a teaching demonstration on a panel of award-winning teachers at the annual meeting of the Association of American Law Schools. In 2003, he was selected to present at the National Teaching Conference of the Institute for Law School Teaching.

By every measure, Professor Michaels ranks among the great law teachers who teach both the law and inspire students to become good lawyers. Dean Nancy Rogers calls him an effective and charismatic leader and adds, "His selection as the Edwin M. Cooperman Designated Professor of Law is testimony to his exemplary teaching and scholarship."

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