Natasha Landon Honored with Teaching Excellence Award from University Libraries

Natasha Landon, assistant professor of professional practice and assistant director of access services at the Moritz Law Library, recently received Ohio State University Libraries Teaching Excellence Award. Given annually, the award recognizes outstanding teaching achievements that advance the mission of the library. 

“Natasha is incredibly thoughtful in planning and executing her courses and guest lectures,” said Sara Sampson, assistant dean for information services, director of the Moritz Law Library, and senior lecturer. “She relies on best practices and research, always looking for a better way to do something.” 

Landon’s dedication was evident when she chose to update her teaching practices based on information she learned at a professional development session. To create a more supportive learning environment, Landon changed her LAW I grading rubrics to emphasize improvement over perfection and provided more feedback so students could clearly see how to succeed in the class.  

“This change helped students’ emotional well-being by reducing anxiety,” Sampson explained. “It also offered them new ways of thinking and doing exercises, which improved skills that they will need to be successful lawyers.” 

Landon is a double Buckeye, earning both her B.A. and J.D. at The Ohio State University. Prior to joining the Moritz staff in 2019, she clerked for the Honorable Marie Hoover at the Ohio Fourth District Court of Appeals. Landon is a member of the American Association of Law Libraries, the Ohio Regional Association of Law Libraries, the West Virginia Bar Association, and the Ohio State Bar Association.