What the best law teachers do

What makes a great law professor? This study identifies the methods, strategies, and personal traits of professors whose students achieve exceptional learning. What the Best Law Teachers Do introduces readers to twenty-six professors from law schools across the United States. These instructors are renowned for their exacting standards: they set expectations high, while also making course requirements -- and their belief that their students can meet them -- clear from the outset. They demonstrate professional behavior and tell students to approach class as they would their future professional life: by being as prepared, polished, and gracious as possible. And they prepare themselves for class in depth, even when they have taught the course for years. The best law professors understand that the little things matter. They start class on time and stay afterward to answer questions. They learn their students' names and respond promptly to emails. These instructors are all tough -- but they are also committed, creative, and compassionate mentors. With its close-to-the-ground accounts of exceptional educators in action, What the Best Law Teachers Do offers insights into effective pedagogy that transcend the boundaries of legal education.

Professors profiled: Patty Alleva, Rory Bahadur, Cary Bricker, Roberto Corrada, Bridget Crawford, Meredith Duncan, Beth Enos, Paula Franzese, Steven Friedland, Heather Gerken, Ingrid Hillinger, Steven Homer, Don Hornstein, Nancy Knauer, Lawrence Krieger, Susan Kuo, Andy Leipold, Nancy Levit, Paula Lustbader, Nelson Miller, Hiroshi Motomura, Julie Nice, Philip Prygoski, Ruthann Robson, Tina Stark, Andy Taslitz.

Introduction, methodology, and executive summary -- What is exceptional learning in law school? -- What personal qualities do they possess? -- How do they relate to their students? -- What do they expect from their students? -- How do they prepare to teach? -- How do they engage students in and out of the classroom? -- How do they provide feedback and assess students? -- What lasting lessons do their students take away? -- Suggestions for using this book.