Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is famous for its magical classes, winding layout, and some terrifying employees. But despite a few questionable hires, many of the professors are gifted teachers. And while some teachers seem determined to make their students miserable, others genuinely care about helping young witches and wizards learn the skills they need for the rest of their magical lives. A few even go out of their way to protect the children in their classes. In addition to its ghostly corridors and beautiful halls, Hogwarts should also be recognized as having some truly fantastic educators. These eight professors are some of the best educators to ever grace its classrooms.
Minerva McGonagall
Professor McGonagall might be quite strict and even intimidating at times, but she’s also one of the most capable and dedicated teachers at Hogwarts. As the Transfiguration professor and head of Gryffindor House, she is always fair but expects a great deal from her students. She has little patience for ridiculous behavior. However, she will protect them at all costs, even when it means standing up to government authority figures. Her teaching style is straight to the point, so students are never left reading between the lines. She’s not afraid to subtly criticize other professors who seem to be making it up as they go along (ahem, Professor Trelawney). McGonagall is also a powerful witch and an animagus, capable of transforming into a cat at will. We love her combination of intelligence, fairness, and dry wit.
Remus Lupin
Of all the Defense Against the Dark Arts teachers Harry encounters (and lovers of the series will remember there is practically a revolving door of them) Remus Lupin is by far the best. He shows his students fascinating magical creatures, including Boggarts, beings who take the form of their victim’s greatest fear. He teaches them how to effectively fight off these scary creatures, a skill that Harry and the others go on to use more than once. Instead of simply lecturing, Lupin gives his students hands-on experience and helps them develop confidence in their abilities. He later gives Harry private lessons, teaching Harry how to produce a Patronus, an extremely advanced spell that can deter Dementors. This particular skill saves Harry’s life multiple times. Unfortunately, Lupin’s werewolf condition costs him his teaching position. But during his time at Hogwarts, he was one of the kindest and best professors.
Filius Flitwick
Professor Flitwick teaches Charms, one of the most useful subjects at Hogwarts. The barely 4-feet-tall man is always cheerful and doesn’t mind when his students slip up and send him tumbling (Neville, we’re looking at you). He teaches students spells that can make objects levitate and summon items, along with lots of other magical tasks. Though he seems harmless, Flitwick is a skilled wizard and even a former dueling champion. Unlike some of his fellow teachers, Flitwick seems delighted when students succeed. His constant enthusiasm and knowledge make him one heck of a teacher.
Rubeus Hagrid
Hagrid isn’t the most conventional teacher, but his enthusiasm for teaching is pretty much as strong as it gets. As the Care of Magical Creatures professor, he loves teaching about weird and wonderful animals more than anything else. He introduces students to Hippogriffs, Nifflers, and Blast-Ended Skrewts. Unfortunately, he doesn’t really think there is any animal too dangerous to bring to school, making some of his lessons downright dangerous. Still, Hagrid genuinely wants his students to appreciate the magical creatures he loves so much. While his teaching methods could use some improvement, his passion and empathy make up for an injury here or there.
Pomona Sprout
Professor Sprout teaches Herbology, the study of magical plants and their special properties and uses. As the head of Hufflepuff House, she embodies the main Hufflepuff characteristics: she’s practical, hardworking, and caring towards her students. When students end up petrified, she comes to the rescue by growing the Mandrakes needed to revive the victims. Unfortunately, these very odd plants act a lot like screaming babies, and their cries are deadly once they’re fully grown. She’s the ultimate green witch.
Albus Dumbledore
Although we know him as Hogwarts’ headmaster throughout most of the Harry Potter series, Albus Dumbledore used to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts and Transfiguration. He is considered one of the most powerful wizards of his time. He has an extraordinary understanding of magic and is also unbelievably wise, so he knows just when to use it. He gets along wonderfully with students, speaking to them with respect and believing them when no one else does. Dumbledore also recognizes potential in students, even when others may discount them. He allowed a young Lupin to remain at the school despite being a werewolf, while he kept Hagrid on as grounds keeper after his expulsion. He knows that choices and character matter way more than magical ability.
Horace Slughorn
Professor Slughorn might be kind of snobby, but he has a great talent for teaching Potions. Unlike Severus Snape, Slughorn creates a classroom environment where students can enjoy experimenting with magical ingredients without fear of messing up. Though he openly favors talented and well-connected students, and creates an exclusive club that leaves many uninvited, he still manages to be an effective teacher. He’s far from perfect, but his expertise and teaching style make him a top-notch professor.
Silvanus Kettleburn
Before Hagrid took over Care of Magical Creatures, the subject was taught by Professor Silvanus Kettleburn. Although he’s barely mentioned in the movies, readers might remember that he was once a member of the Hogwarts staff. However, he did have a concerning history of injuries. In fact, when Kettleburn retires, he only has one arm and half a leg. Similar to Hagrid, he also had a somewhat reckless approach to teaching, which put students and school property at risk. Still, his willingness to devote his life to dangerous animals that left him dismembered shows intense commitment to his subject. He definitely brought plenty of firsthand experience and excitement to the classroom.