[HPforGrownups] Re: Snape as teacher

[Morag Traynor]

No: HPFGUIDX 17120

Lyda wrote:
<huge snip>

>Ever seen the movie "Stand and Deliver"? Escalante is kind of a cross
>between Snape and Lupin, no? He makes those kids work, he doesn't let
>them off easy, and he often makes quiet but rather "waspish" remarks,
>like Snape. However, he also rewards and encourages them, like Lupin.

<quite big snip>

I really promised myself I wasn't going to write more on Snape's teaching 
abilities (or lack thereof) as I felt Lea put the issue to bed as far as I'm 
concerned.  But I think this bit helps clarify my point.  I don't have a 
problem with his cold, demanding persona.  As several have pointed out, and 
as the above demonstrates, you don't have to be a warm, wonderful human 
being, or a saint, to be a good teacher.  Neither, I agree, do you have to 
see yourself as an all-round mentor, or aim to make the students feel good.  
Snape *could* be a good teacher, if he'd just stop
1) bullying,
2) playing favourites and
3) picking on people!
Knowing your stuff is not enough.  But I'm in danger of getting way OT here, 
so I'm not saying any more on Snape, the teacher.

I just like JKR's shrewd observation of teaching in the books.  I am sure I 
have been taught by Professor Binns, who didn't let his own death stand in 
the way of boring the pants off everybody, or Professor Sprout, who in her 
unshowy way is an excellent teacher, or Lupin  - inspiring - or Lockhart- 
precisely "useless" - or Hagrid - potentially good, but nervous.  Or even 
Professor Grubbly-Plank - call me a big kid, but the simple sentence "My 
name is Grubbly-Plank" had me rolling on the floor - don't these 
out-of-the-blue substitute teachers *always* have names guaranteed to reduce 
any class to fits of giggles :) ?


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