[HPforGrownups] Re: Use of Madam - Madam Bones

[Amy Greil]

No: HPFGUIDX 87050

Lauri said:

Madam is the female equivalent of Mister, which does not distinguish 
between married and unmarried men. (ex: unmarried (ick, we assume) 
Mr. Filch and married Mr. Crouch)  Madam Pomfrey is not a professor, 
apparently neither is Madam Hooch, so they need *some* sort of title 
of respect.


Now Amy:

But Moody, Lockhart, Lupin and Umbridge are called "Professor" once they begin teaching at Hogwarts, and we have no evidence that they are the recipient of any kind of teaching degree.  So if "Professor" is simply a title of respect shown to any teacher, shouldn't Hooch, Hagrid and Firenz also be Professors?  Since there is apparently no other wizarding school in Britain, and no evidence for wizard primary schools, it seems silly that there would be a teacher training program somewhere turning out "Professors" with limited job prospects.  

Oh, and then there's Madame Maxine, who IS apparently a teacher and headmistress, but who is addressed by her first name like she is a nursery school teacher!

I can't figure out if this is just an oversight on JKR's part or an indication of the shoddy nature of education in the WW!

---Amy

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