By Emma Prusha
As the landscape of legal education continues to evolve, it has become increasingly crucial to prepare students for the realities of practicing law. A recent addition to the faculty at Cleveland State University College of Law is excited to take on this responsibility. Professor Sarah Nintcheff is eager to share her knowledge with the next generation of law students, emphasizing the importance of practical learning and personal connections in the classroom.
What initially drew Professor Nintcheff to CSU was the opportunity to teach for the first time, after a successful 21-year career in the federal courts. “I’m excited to share the knowledge I’ve gained over the years with students who are just beginning their legal journey,” she shares. This enthusiasm for teaching arises from her belief that simply imparting legal principles isn’t enough. Professor Nintcheff believes that students need to understand what it’s really like to work in the legal profession.
Incorporating current legal cases is central to her teaching plan. She often shares stories from her experiences in federal court to illustrate the complexities of legal practice. By doing so, she hopes to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. This approach encourages critical thinking and prepares students for the dynamic nature of the legal field. As one of her students, I can attest that hearing real world experiences and being able to relate them to cases we study in class has been extremely beneficial to my education.
As she undertakes the challenges of her first year, she has set clear objectives for her teaching development. Her primary teaching goal is to help students attain new skills that they will use throughout their careers. “I want them to take something they’ve never learned before and turn it into a practical skill,” she explains. Thus, her approach to assignments allows her students to begin with small exercises and then build on this foundation, helping them to understand the importance of each lesson before moving on to the next.
Building strong relationships with students is vital to Professor Nintcheff’s and her students’ success. “It is important to me to get to know students on a personal level,” Nintcheff states. “CSU Law offers many opportunities for students and faculty to get together outside of the classroom. I have not missed a Sidebar, yet! I am grateful to have a steady stream of students stop by my office both during and outside of office hours. My goal is to develop close relationships with students so that I can share my experience and connections to help further their career goals. I believe that student-professor relationships should last long past graduation.”
Professor Nintcheff is poised to make a significant impact on student’s legal education at CSU. Through her commitment to practical learning, mentorship, and community engagement, she is not only preparing her students for their future careers but also enriching the broader legal community at Cleveland State University. As she begins this new road at CSU, her optimism and dedication promise to inspire both her students and colleagues alike.
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