Snape's Self-Perception as Teacher

[jessicabathurst]

No: HPFGUIDX 144794

Hey all!

I've been following the Snape teacher threads with great interest, as 
it's a subject near and dear to my heart.  (Teaching, not Snape.  Oh, 
who am I kidding?)  At any rate, in all of this talk about Snape and 
good vs. bad teaching, I've been wondering:  how does Snape view 
himself as a teacher?  

I've always been of the opinion that Snape hates teaching, mainly based 
on his introductory speech in SS/PS and his general demeanor, but I've 
changed my mind.  Someone (I believe it was Carol, in a post about 
Snape's treatment of Neville) made an excellent case for the efficacy 
of Snape's classroom technique, and as Umbridge says, his students 
score high marks in Potions.  So...what if Snape actually ENJOYS 
teaching?  What if, after a disastrous start in life as Death Eater, 
Snape now realizes that he's right where he belongs...in primary school 
education?  (Hey, my husband nearly ended up at the World Bank and now 
teaches math.  It could totally happen.)  

If that's the case, does Snape think he's a good teacher?  Does he 
think he's abusive?  Does he think he's one of those "tough but 
lovable" types, like McGonagall?  Does Snape have any idea he's one 
student's living nightmare?  Would he care?

I'm just picturing Snape sitting around his office, grading papers and 
wondering why he never gets the Hogwarts "Teacher of the Year" award.

Take care,
Jessica
(who's been informed that she had better be at work tomorrow, transit 
strike or no.  Stupid MTA.)