DEBATE TIME! ****OFFICIALLY CLOSED****

[weemumlessmngrl.livejournal.com]

OFFICIALLY CLOSED FOR THE MONTH

Our topic for this month:

"The position of Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor has, believe it or not, come available once again. The list of canidates and hopefuls includes many good people with great references.. plus the potions master, Snape. You have the choice- hire from within and promote him to the position that you just know he's always wanted, or.. turn him down.

This month's debate: Severus Snape- Defense Against the Dark Arts Master or Disaster?"

As for assignments, Claws and Puffs have the side of 'Disaster', aka Against.. while Slytherins and Gryffs get 'Master', or rather.. For.


Questions? Concerns? Please direct yourself to yesterday's post:

http://www.livejournal.com/community/hogwartsishome/68661.html

I'd like to keep this post for nothing but the actual debate.

Comments

Master!

[tangerinesidhe.livejournal.com]

For years now, Professor Snape has applied for the position of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Each year, his application has been turned down in favor of other candidates (of sometimes questionable qualifications). Once again, the position has come up for application, and one can guess that Professor Snape is once more longing to be the new DADA teacher. Although it would be unfortunate to lose such a skilled potions master, with the level of turnover and disaster that has plagued the DADA position over the past 5 years, he is an excellent candidate.

First of all, Professor Snape has already demonstrated that he is committed to being a teacher at Hogwarts. The yearly turn-over rate of the teachers in this position is detrimental to the education of Hogwarts students. Their curriculum has been disjointed at best, and at worst downright incomplete. By placing someone who has already exhibited a dedication to education as well as responsibility, organization, and thoroughness into this position, Dumbledore will be greatly improving the quality of the DADA course.

Additionally, Professor Snape has extensive knowledge in the field. He has dedicated a lot of time to the study of not only the dark arts, but also the defensive magic against the dark arts. Beyond his scholarly pursuits, he has had extensive practical experience in the field. As the oncoming war approaches, having someone with such extensive knowledge and skill in this area will prove invaluable to the students of Hogwarts. It is important that as Voldemort once again rises to power, that the students will be properly educated in their personal defense. Put someone responsible in such an important position, for once. Let Professor Snape teach Defense Against the Dark Arts.

--Destiny, Gryffindor

[kill-me-hard.livejournal.com]

Master

I think that Professor Snape will make a good DADA teacher, because of his former experience being a Death Eater he has learned information about them that can be useful to teach the students how to counter dark forces. The information he has gained working with Dumbledore and the Order of the Phoenix in the fight against Voldemort will definitely come in handy in preparing the students for the coming war, as will his knowledge in unique areas of magic such as occlumency. Additionally, his long yearning for the job will probably drive him to be a successful teacher, because he won't want to be booted after term's end (for whatever cause) like the former teachers. And we all know he won't be slack on the students, so they will be learning their stuff.

Ashley :: Gryffindor

[wyldcolt45.livejournal.com]

True, Snape has the experience. But does he have the personality? DADA has become an increasingly important skill for young wizards to learn, in preperation for a war we all know is coming. Therefore, the students need to be allowed to grow to their full potential in the subject. Yet, as demonstrated with Neville in his Potions class, Snape's methods of teaching leave much to be desired.

In short, he terrorizes students, instead of giving them the help they need, and also has been known to alter the grade of people he's not fond of.

To take the point further, he's also demonstrated a complete disregard to the safety of Harry and his peers; refusing to teach Harry Legimancy because of what Harry saw in the Pensieve, even though Snape KNEW that Voldemort could possibly use his bond with Harry to take control of him. In a class that covers equally dangerous subject matter, how could he be trusted to ensure that everyone is equally prepared?

AJ, Ravenclaw

[shakiracrazy.livejournal.com]

Severus Snape has been a Hogwarts professor for fourteen long years. Hogwarts is a school known for its superb professors, so naturally, Professor Snape must be a very good teacher.

He certainly knows this subject. From what we have gathered in the books, he was deeply immersed in the Dark Arts. Also, he was a Death Eater. He worked with the greatest Dark Wizard in history. There is no doubt that Snape contains great knowledge about the subject.

When he switched from the Death Eaters, he not only had to use his Dark Arts knowledge, but how to defend himself against the most powerful dark wizards and witches in the world. Who better to teach students to protect themselves than someone who has actually lived it?

For example, look at Alastor Moody. We all know that the person teaching at Hogwarts was in fact Barty Crouch Jr., but he portrayed Moody so perfectly it might as well have been Alastor Moody. Moody was an Auror; he had to defend himself everyday in the previous Wizarding War. He lived it, knew the Dark Arts, and proved to be a superb professor. How different is he from Snape?

I think it is Severus Snape's turn for a crack at the position. He is definately qualified enough.

~Rachel
Gryffindor

[angelofstrange.livejournal.com]

Where is the proof that he had to use the dark arts against the other death eaters? There is no proof. But there is the fact that he had in facted used them against innocent people, since he wasn't always a spy for the good side. Which might be a reason why he's never been appointed DADA master before. And when we see the real Moody, he is more cautious and planning than Crouch as him. Yes he showed them alot of things concering the arts, but he also put them in a danger with the ministry for use of the curses he was teaching them would have put them all in Azkaban.

Jen//Hufflepuff

Disaster.

[timydamonkey.livejournal.com]

There are quite a few reasons why Snape would not be the most suitable candidate for the Defence Against the Dark Arts positions:

First of all, there's the simple thing of his other position. Snape, a potions master, would be far more beneficial to the students when teaching Potions. It's not know which subject he's better at - we just know that he'd like to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts - but, the thing is, when there are plenty of other people around with brilliant references, then it would be hard enough to find which candidate was most suitable. Snape already has a job at Hogwarts - one which he presumably likes, though not as much as Defense Against the Dark Arts - and it could be hard to find a professor (particularly one as qualified as Snape) for Potions. Why lose a Potions master when there already is one to gain a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher with many good candidates?

Then there's also the fact that Snape favours the Slytherin's. I don't believe that, if Snape taught them, the pupil's in other houses would get adequate training. He would probably only use Slytherin's for demonstrations and such, too, when the others do need practical experience - favouritism doesn't really work with Defense Against the Dark Arts, as it's very important subject in times were Voldemort is still at large. Not knowing any defense would be suicide.

-Chloe, Ravenclaw

Re: Disaster.

[kill-me-hard.livejournal.com]

Considering the last few people they've had as DADA teachers:
Umbridge, appointed by the Ministry, she was just as evil or more so to the students than Snape has been to his Potions class, and other horrors.
Moody, a retired auror, that was actually a Death Eater in disguise, who used the Unforgivable curses on/in the presence of the students, and other crimes.
Lupin, a werewolf, and former friend of a convicted murderer. (No matter how this one was resolved, there was a situation for a while.)
Lockhart, an author, that actually didn't know anything and stole stories from other people.
Quirrell, who was sharing his body with Voldemort.

Maybe they're running a little thin on people wanting the position? Dumbledore did mention people starting to think the job was cursed. It seems like it would be better to have someone eager to do it that may have a few problems with student equality, than someone who doesn't know what they're doing at all.
It just doesn't seem likely that Snape, who is working against Voldemort at cost to himself, would deliberately neglect teaching the students properly and risk them being killed, over house fights.

Ashley :: Gryffindor

Re: Disaster.

[tangerinesidhe.livejournal.com]

There has never been a pool of strong applicants for the DADA position. This has been pointed out numerous times in the book. In fact, in OotP there were *no* suitable candidates for the position, which is why the Ministry had to step in to fill it. Sure, if there were other people competing with him for the position, it would be understandable to leave Professor Snape in his current teaching position. That is not the case though. At this point it would be more beneficial to the students to move Snape into the position of DADA teacher so there would be stability in the position. Snape has already proven his committment to teaching at Hogwarts, and since he has applied for the DADA position for several consecutive years, he has demonstrated an unwillingness to give up on the subject.

The turnover rate of teachers on DADA is detrimental to the students. Dumbledore needs to place someone there who will stick around for a while, to bring some continuity to the cirriculum. Professor Snape is this person.

Although it is nice to believe that the other Heads of House don't favor their own students, I don't think it is entirely true. Also, it should be pointed out that Dumbledore also demonstrates favoritism toward the Gryffindor students. We only know that Professor Snape dislikes Harry and his friends, and not without reason. Even though some say that it is a grudge against James Potter, I think that there are plenty of other reasons. Harry and his friends have been incredibly disrespectful toward Professor Snape, made outlandish accusations against him, and are constantly distracted in class. Why wouldn't Professor Snape harbor some animosity toward them?

--Destiny, Gryffindor

Disaster

[crooked.livejournal.com]

In fourteen years at Hogwarts, Snape has not been able to secure the position of DADA instructor. However, we do not fully know the reasoning behind this. There are a few factors to consider.

What we do know is that Dumbledore chose Snape for Potions over DADA. Simply put, Dumbledore wants the best professors available for their respective positions. Why risk losing an excellent Potions Master? The proof that Snape is a master at potions is evident by the fact that he makes Veritaserum (most powerful truth serum) and Lupin's Wolfsbane (apparently very difficult to make). Plus, no matter how much intimate knowledge he has in performing the Dark Arts (with his Death Eater past) he has fourteen years as the Potions Master. It would seem foolish to throw that all away.

Also, there is Snape's teaching style to consider: he is less than patient with students. He does show favoritism toward Slytherins as well, although I don't feel that is the biggest issue. DADA is definitely a very important class and ALL students need to be equally prepared and armed with the knowledge to defend themselves. Snape's demeanor points toward him not having the patience to work with students who may not be as well versed in the subject as others, as evident by his interactions with Neville in Potions.

Overall, Snape is far more suited for Potions than DADA. He has the knowledge, skills, tempermant, and extensive experience needed to be the Potions Master that he already is. It seems very careless and pointless to disregard all of that and place him as the DADA professor simply because he desires the job. Dumbledore's fourteen years of trust in Snape in his current position is not to be so easily brushed aside.

cj//Hufflepuff

Re: Disaster

[pfc-rat.livejournal.com]

No one knows why Dumblefore has not given the position to Snape, and without knowing why, everything is simply assumption.

Yes, Snape is a Potions Master, but's he's also the most talented Legillimens in the school - so much so that Dumbledore trusted him to teach Occlumency to Harry, despite knowing about Snape's personal feelings towards him. Snape no doubt has a myriad of other talents with regards to DADA, or he wouldn't have applied for the position in the first place.

About Snape's style - if he is such a bad teacher that he is diplaying favouritism towards certain students, then that should be an argument why he shouldn't be teaching at Hogwarts at all. If he's competant enough to teach Potions, then he's competant enough to teach DADA. Quite simply.

Furthermore, how do we know that there aren't a hundred other equally qualified candidates for the position of Potions teacher? If it would be a relatively simple matter to find a replacement (and qualified) Potions teacher, but, as has already been demonstrated, next to impossible to find a DADA teacher, why not allow Snape to do the job?

Melissa, Gryff

Re: Disaster

[shakiracrazy.livejournal.com]

But wouldn't it simply be a waste of Snape's abilities by not allowing him to teach the position of DADA? He could be a much better DADA teacher than potions master, but we may never find out. It's very difficult to find someone with all the experience that Snape has had over the past years, yet it would be relatively easier to find an equally excellent potions teacher.

And because Snape is so loyal to Hogwarts and Dumbledore, he would probably stay in the position of DADA teacher. He wants that position, and would want to keep it. That way, students wouldn't have to deal with changing teachers every year. He may not be extremely fair, but it's better than students having to learn from known horrible teachers, and professors that change every year. That would be a bit hard to follow, wouldn't it?

~Rachel
Gryffindor

Master

[idleclockwork.livejournal.com]

I, as Headmaster Albus Dumbledore of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry hereby state that Severus Snape is to be employed as Defense Against the Dark Arts professor for this time onwards, until Hogwarts or Professor Snape decide that the esteemed professor is no longer appropriate for the position within our teaching staff. I declare Professor Snape's employment at this school altered for many reason and wish for no disputes over his ability to teach to take place, as I believe that he is most suited for the position.

Professor Snape from J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter is currently as of the fifth book employed as Potions Professor within Hogwarts and has been for some time, approximately between fifteen and six years, but in any case- a very long time to be employed at the same place. His appointment as Potions professor has outlasted several Defense Against the Dark Arts appointments, and from this one can gather that Professor Snape is very capable of being a professor. As Professor Snape has stayed so long as Potions Professor, it is presumed that he would stay for a longer term of one year as Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, and thus cause less disruptions to the students.

A personal experience of mine has left me with the knowledge that it is highly difficult to adapt to new teaching techniques, leaving one to do less well than once could have done- however as Professor Snape has been teaching the Hogwarts students already, swapping his teaching position to one of DADA teaching would cause less disruptions to the learning of the students, and therefore help them to better themselves in their academic achievements.

In reference to Professor Snape's 'harsh marking' and favoritism towards students of his own house, has no one considered that Harry Potter (who we are made to sympathise with in the books through the use of language and narrative point of view within the Harry Potter books) may simply be dismal at potions? Perhaps Draco Malfoy is actually much better at potions than Harry, and as such the readers get a jaded version of the reality inside of the Harry Potter books because of Harry's own feelings of insuperiority. Potions is an ambitious art, one must strive to achieve the best result and as such the Slytherins- an ambitious breed- might be superior to other houses in their potion skills. If this were the case, Professor Snape would not be dubbed as a teacher who demonstrates favouritism, but instead a teacher who is merely fair. However, if Harry Potter really is not good at potions- readers are encouraged through the narrative point of view and language to be sensitive to Professor Snape, and believe that he shows favouritism.

As demonstrated through Professor Snape's lessons- he is a great teacher who provides different chanels of learning for his students. Professor Snape utilises vocal, practical, written and visual teaching methods which ensure that he caters for all different learning styles. Undoubtably, Professor Snape would provide the same teaching methods to his teachings in Defense Against the Dark Arts, and so the students who learn differently would benefit from the provision of the different teaching methods during classes.

(continued)

Re: Master

[idleclockwork.livejournal.com]

(continued)

Professor Snape has been accused of marking too harshly, yet as I will explain- harsh marking is actually an asset. Students who recieve good marks for work which are not nearly up to the standard that they are marked at will presume that they are doing well in a subject and not try to better themselves even though they really could. As such, the OWLs and NEWTs marks that they recieve will be quite dissatisfying because the exams are presumably marked by a hand which is not Professor Snape's own, and the mark that students recieve will be marked at the same level, or easier than they were by Professor Snape, thus they would get a very good mark as concequence of having studied earlier because of the indication Professor Snape's grades gave. Undoubtably Professor Snape would employ the same helpful marking technique as DADA Professor.

Professor Snape's prior involvement in the Dark Arts would help him imensely in his Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor position. Professor Snape knows the inner workings of a death eater's mind, and has had much contact in the Dark community. His knowledge about Dark Arts would help him to teach remedies to Dark Arts, and also help him to defend against them, thus making for an excellent Defense Against the Dark Arts professor.

Professor Snape is capable of teaching DADA, and he would also do a tremendous job on it. We see how well Professor Snape would do in Harry Potter and the Prison of Azkaban where Professor Snape is able to guide Hermione Granger into applying her own knowledge to help her find out about Professor Lupin's lycanthrope, demonstrating Professor Snape's clear abilty to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts.

Finally, although there seems to be only two different options for a student's like or dislike of Professor Snape which are two different extremes, Professor Snape is without a doubt a respected member of the Hogwarts community. This respect would aid him to gain control of his classes and help him to impress upon his students the importance of Defense Against the Dark Arts.

Kim, Slytherin

Disaster

[jedilora.livejournal.com]

Defense Against the Dark Arts is a key subjects for young wizards and witches to learn. A teacher of that subject, to be the best for the students, must be understanding, willing to help students outside of class, and above all patient.

Nobody can claim that Severus Snape has any of these qualities. Years of students who have passed through his Potions classes have walked out relieved that they have escaped, and knowing students, promptly try to forget everything they ever needed to know for him, out of spite.

To boot, Snape was GIVEN an opportunity to teach DADA. During Remus Lupin's changing periods during his tenure as that professor, Snape took over classes a few days each month. Did he try to use it as an opportunity to show his skill at teaching that position? No. He used it as a way to strike against Lupin. Such pettiness is unbecoming of a professor, and shoudl not be rewarded with the position.

~Rachel, Ravenclaw

Re: Disaster

[tangerinesidhe.livejournal.com]

Professor Snape has at least demonstrated his committment to teaching at Hogwarts, which is very important in an educator. Many of the worlds best educators are strict and firm in their teaching methods. Although at the time students may refer to them as "mean" most students will look back upon these teachers more favorably in the future, when they realize that the teacher was acting in the students' interests. Sure, Professor Snape pushes Neville and Harry harder than the other students in the class, but this is not entirely unjustified. Neville is abysmal in most of his classes--he needs someone to constantly be pushing him to improve. Harry on the other hand does have a tendency to think that he can coast through school on his good name and natural talents. Unfortunately, he lacks natural talent when it comes to potions. Harry is often distracted in class, not paying attention to his cauldron on the instructions that have been laid out for him. This sort of inattention could prove quite dangerous to his classmates if his cauldron explodes.

Although Professor Snape chose to teach the students about werewolves when he covered DADA for Professor Lupin out of personal grudge, he still ran an organized lesson. He covered the material, he set out an appropriate assignment, and he taught the students about a very real threat of the wizarding world.

Charisma is desirable in a teacher, but it is not the only important quality. Just as important, in my opinion, is committment, dedication, knowledge, skill, and authority. While some may claim that Professor Snape lacks the first (which is most likely the bias of perspective of Harry and his friends), he most certainly possesses all of the latter.

--Destiny, Gryffindor

Master

[anodein82.livejournal.com]

I think that Snape would do wonders as the DADA teacher. While sometimes he does have the personality of a rock, I think that would be an advantage in this case. Look how much work Crouch did as Moody. Harry's class learned the Unforgivable Curses, not just want they are, but how they feel. If it wasn't for that, Harry would have just given the prophecy to Malfoy in book 5.
Yes I do think that he would make a good DADA just because he's been there, he knows what's going on. And his tactics in Potions will carry over. He won't let anything slide in DADA, and because it's a valuable class everyone will learn more. Fear is a good motivator. And Snape is excellent at invoking fear. His pride would demand that he be as meticulous as Lupin, covering everything, while his honor would demand that he teach it to the best of his ability. Pride and Honor are what would make Snape the best DADA professor ever.

Anodein of Gryffindor

Re: Master

[calliopeia17.livejournal.com]

But Snape's teaching tactics, rather than not letting anyone slide, serve to intimidate and terrify the students rather than let then absorb information. Students learn well under pressure, but they do not learn their best when terrified. Consider the example of Neville Longbottom. No student is ever simply so terrible at a subject that (s)he is simply unable to make any progress whatsoever. However, Snape singlehandedly stopped Neville from making any progress in the field of Potions, simply because he did not have the patience to give Neville the extra help or encouragement he needed. In DADA, which is absolutely essential for the students, particularly the older ones who will almost certainly be pulled into the war against Voldemort, letting a student slide simply because a teacher did not have the patience to help him would be unacceptable. The students need a DADA teacher who will allow them to realize their full potential, and Snape's terror tactics fail to do that.

Calliopeia, Ravenclaw

[k1mono.livejournal.com]

Master.

Severus Snape would be particularly suited for the position of Defence Against the Dark Arts curriculum, being a natural and dedicated teacher of potions, his loyalty to Hogwarts and his loyalty to the teaching profession, at least deserves consideration.

Past defence teachers have had extremely dubious credentials. I doubt that Dumbledore is to be entirely blamed for this lack of insight

Snape may be considered by many to be selective in his regards to favouritism with students and opening disliking others, but nobody is perfect, and at least Snape is deserving of our respect. His past and present connections with Dark Arts will be considered useful in his interplay with this new position.
After the disasters with past defence teachers, who showed the worse possible characteristics and personality, employing Professor Snape in this position would be a good move. I believe that regardless of Severus' dislike of Harry and some of the students particularly Gryffindors, at least we will have a professor who is no fool, one whose characteristics will not be a ploy to confuse or give false hope, and one who demands respect and gets it.

No professor or teacher is liked by all, that is only human nature, and that his reputation as a rather stern, non emotive person, with a dark mark and aura round him, should outweigh his illustrious and astonishing great passion for his work, not only as a potion professor, but the determination to pass it on to students.

Severus is without a doubt a great presence at Hogwarts and should not be ignored. I seriously don't believe that Harry is the innocent party in his and Severus' altercations, Harry is as much to blame for believing ill of Snape in the first place and of course does at times show disrespect to his potions professor , so naturally friction would occur, but human nature will do this, and to consider that these incidents be used as a reason not to give Severus the position as Professor of Defence Against the Dark Arts, shows very poor judgment and prejudice indeed.


Ren//Gryffindor.

[calliopeia17.livejournal.com]

Nobody is perfect, but a certain degree of professionalism is required from a teacher, and one aspect of that professionalism is to now play favorites. No one would expect a teacher to like or dislike every student exactly the same, but in grading and teaching, every student must be treated identically. For a teacher to fail to do this does not mean that they're only human, it means that they are bad at their profession, one of the required aspects of which is the ability to grade fairly.

Snape's determination to pass information on to his students is severely hindered by the fact that rather than make any attempt to help those having trouble (Neville Longbottom in particular) he instead belittles them further, causing them to give up completely, without even gaining basic skills in the field. In a subject like DADA, which, given the current situation in the Wizarding World, is absolutely essential, this unwillingness to give extra help to those he deems incompetent is unacceptable. All the students need to learn the basic principles of DADA in order to survive.

Regardless of who was the initiating party in Harry and Snape's disputes (though I would like to point out that Snape was the first to bait Harry, in his first day of potions class) a Professor is not on the same emotional level as a child, and any teacher who cannot step back from an argument with a student and keep in mind that he is an adult and the student is a child is not only a poor teacher, but as a human being has a ridiculously low maturity level. Any adult in a position of power who would continue picking fights with a child- and a child under his jurisdiction- is barely even deserving of that position of authority. Why put this obviously emotionally stunted man in a position where he would be teaching students life and death matters?

Calliopeia, Ravenclaw

Disaster

[shayuko.livejournal.com]

We know from CoS that Snape has a lot of rare ingredients in his private collection. My thought: the only reason he's able to keep those without it being suspicious is because he is the potions teacher. Nobody at Hogwarts knows more about potions than he does and I think he might be doing secret potions-work for Dumbledore. If he were to become the new DADA teacher there would have to be a new potions teacher. So then someone other than Snape, someone not in the Order, who would know a lot about potions too, would be sniffing around.
This is probably a long shot, but I think Dumbledore just can't have another potions teacher walking around who would find out things other teachers wouldn't, because it's simply not their area.

-Marije, Hufflepuff

Re: Disaster

[tangerinesidhe.livejournal.com]

With all of his incredible connections, it is likely that Dumbledore could find another teacher sympathetic to his cause to take over the position of potions master. Even if he does not, however, I do not think that this is a strong enough argument to deny Professor Snape the position of DADA teacher.

First of all, as an advanced potions master, even were he to shift positions, it is unlikely that someone would question his ingrediants store. Also, if the unusual ingrediants found in that store are for Order business, than Dumbledore will find a way to ensure that Professor Snape can continue to do this work. Additionally, as we've witnessed in the books, there are potions used in the defense against dark arts. In this case, Professor Snape could provide invaluable cross-disciplinary connections for his students.

--Destiny, Gryffindor

Disaster

[of-polyhymnia.livejournal.com]

Issues in teaching style aside, Dumbledore has good reason to keep Snape away from the Defense Against the Dark Arts post. As evidenced by 'Moody,' this post has in the past been used as a way to get inside information about Hogwarts and its goings-on. If Snape were to be put in this post it seems highly likely that Voldemort would expect him to skew the lessons, in order to lessen their effect in the fight against him, or to provide information regarding Harry's skills and such. It would be an ideal position to sabotage the work of Hogwarts in standing against Voldemort. Thus Dumbledore may be withholding the position in order to protect Snape and his work.

Polyhymnia//Ravenclaw

Re: Disaster

[hxcpunkchick.livejournal.com]

In the past? A broad statement such as that is rather incorrect as it has only happened twice in five years: Quirrell and Moody!Crouch. Umbridge was just a pawn of the Ministry, while Lockhart was just a joke.
Perhaps it is time to actually have someone who is firmly on the Order's side in that position in order to protect it.
-tif, Slytherin

[pfc-rat.livejournal.com]

Again, everyone is making assumptions about Dumbledore's motives, but all they are is assumptions. None of us know why he hasn't been allowed to do it. Maybe part of the condition for Snape not being sent to Azkaban be that he would have to remain as potions master at Hogwarts. No one knows, and until that motivation is made clearer, it's rather presumptuous to assume it's because of any incompetancies on Snape's part.

Being a former Death Eater, he is probably more familiar than most with the various weapons employed for evil, and so therefore who better to prepare the students for what they could potentially face?
Melissa, Gryff

[crooked.livejournal.com]

On the same token, everyone is making assumptions as to the level of skills Snape would have as a DADA professor. There is no denying he possesses Dark Arts knowledge, but who is to say that that will translate well into teaching DADA? Simply knowing a subject doesn't make one the best candidate for the position of professor. Snape is a proven Potions Master and has been for fourteen years at Hogwarts. That is not something to push aside lightly in order to satisfy his desire to teach DADA.

cj//Hufflepuff

Master.

[my-kateling.livejournal.com]

Snape is inarguably fitting and needed for the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor.

As evidenced in the books, it is a post that is both coveted by Snape and unwanted by the greater magical teaching world. A teacher who truly wants a post, and is offered it at long last, is much more likely to put forth impressive care and effort into the position, both out of a desire to exceed and to prove that the administrators had made a correct decision in hiring him.

Snape has shown independant action and initiative in all of the books. Whether or not you agree with some of his decisions, in a field such as DADA, independance is an important asset. Out-of-curriculum lessons are usually some of the most beneficial ones, and such teachers are much more likely to promote student's taking responsibility for their actions and treating them like adults. This characteristic is extremely essential in a feidl of study as serious and applicable as DADA.

Students should not be coddled or the subject simplified (à la Umbridge, Lockhart) because of its serious nature. Though Snape is accused of favoritism, other teachers and head-of-house have shown favoritism in the past. I think that Snape's direct and sometimes abrasive style of teaching puts students on their guard. It is much more satisfactory to impress Snape than, for example, Professor Sprout. Snape's demeanor promotes pure scholarship and also digs at students insecurities, which is not necessarily a bad thing when dealing with the Dark Arts, as Dark Wizards will of course zone in on one's weaknesses. When Snape attacks Harry, Harry is even mroe motivated to succeed.

Snape doesn't always agree with Dumbledore, either, which (while Dumbledore is obviously not to be crossed) shows courage and the proper attitude any teacher should have with a Principal or Headmaster: they are not infallible, and if a seasoned and respected teacher has issue with said Headmaster, it should be proper and a duty to confront the administrator. In the instance of Hogwarts being takne over my a corrupt Ministry, I would want Snape there to fight all the way.

In conclusion, Snape is highly qualified and has proven himself over and over again to be loyal to Hogwarts and Dumbledore, whom he respects. Snape's passion and experience should ensure him the post of DADA Professor for next term.

Kate//Gryffindor

DISASTER!

[terig.livejournal.com]

For the record, I personally DO think Snape is a perfectly qualified and able professor to teach the DADA classes, however, while he is intellectualy able and likely has the experience to teach the class, I do believe it would spell disaster for a few reasons:

Snape is a former Death Eater. This of course works in his favour experience-wise - he certainly would know the curses (Sirius Black does mention that Snape came to Hogwarts knowing more curses than students in advanced years) and how to counter them, but at the same time, the temptation to return to his former ways might just be a risk Dumbledore doesn't want to take. Snape is a powerful wizard and extremely talented at subtrufuge (did I even spell that right?) so after the Quirrel incident it's very possible Dumbledore doesn't want to tempt fate.

Snape is, how shall I say it, well, how about bluntly - a really bad teacher. Snape's personality is just not suited for teaching in general, nevermind his taking over a class where terrorising the students would probably be detrimental to them effectively learning DADA. Snape is a bitter, jealous, mean spirited and vengeful man. There's no indication that if he got the position, his temperment would improve. To learn defence against the dark arts, students need to feel at least safe to effectively learn the skills needed for combat. While it's not a "realistic" environment, students need to be in an environment that encourages learning from mistakes, practice without outside threats and within one that is controlled. Snape would have the students so fearful of him that it might actually do more damage than good.

Snape is an excellent potions master. Why mess with a good thing? Snape seems to enjoy being the potions master, even if he feels students don't appreciate the fine art of brewing concoctions and takes pride in his abilities in this field. He may very well not get the DADA job because Dumbledore wouldn't be able to find someone who not only can teach the subject, but also excel in it. It is possibly a lot harder to fix a potion gone wrong once it's been taken than a wand waving motion that wasn't completed properly (not to diminish said skill, but potions *usually* effect a body from the inside out, not the other way around) and a skilled potions master/mistress is essential.

Snape just has too many *issues* to effectively teach DADA. It's pretty obvious he plays favourites to the extreme and it really shows towards his attitude regarding the Gryffindors (especially Harry). What's to say he won't use students he dislikes as *guinea pigs* or *demonstrations*? I know I wouldn't want an instructor like that teaching my kids such a subject (yeah, the arguement can be said for potions, or any other subject, but somehow, after Moody's demonstration of the forbidden curses, DADA just makes it all that much more easy).

Snape's position and role in the Order would be jeapordised if he taught DADA. This is more of a political thing and it could be Dumbledore saw a need for Snape's particular talents in the future and didn't want to compromise Snape's position by giving him the DADA position. For one, it creates a scenario where *bitter* Snape agrees to help Voldemort and Co. because he's being *held back* by goody twoshoes Dumbledore, thus creating a convincing front for being welcomed back into the fold. Also, it really would look pretty suspicious if Snape ends up teaching students to protect themselves from Voldemort & the Death Eaters if he's attempting to rejoin their ranks. I know I'd be pretty wary of such a professor if I were on the side of evil.

teri/ravenclaw

[takarakanashi.livejournal.com]

Disaster

Can a person be good at one thing or MORE than one thing? I'd like to say the second choice. Which is why I believe that Professor Snape is better off where he is... teaching Potions in the dungeons. Due to prior experience, sure, it may be a valid point that he is well used to the Dark Arts and could very well teach them. But, the question is... is he truly meant for this position? I would have to say that he isn't.

A reminder that Snape, although having applied for the DADA position many times, has been Potions master for fourteen years. At this point, he's far too immersed in his Potions teaching. Once you've repeated the same thing for a long time, it becomes like an old hat to you. Just as his Dark Arts knowledge most certainly must have dwindled off. As much as I want to believe that the current Potions Master is still well versed in his training, I don't at all.

Also, what about Dumbledore's reluctance to move him to the position of DADA Professor? Dumbledore is better acquainted with him than we are, therefore he knows the various nuances of his professors, including Snape. And therefore, he must have a fairly good reason as to why he hasn't given him the post. It could very well be that the job IS jinxed and he likes Snape so he doesn't want to let him go! However, it could also be that Snape is more suited for Potions than DADA. It is our superiors that understand what we are great at better than ourselves. It is that oversight of Snape's that keeps him bitter about his not getting the post.

One more point. As much as I would like to side with Professor Snape's treatment of the DADA class in PoA (the book, not the movie), I can't. We know that he has a growing dislike for anything anti-Slytherin. This means that anyone of any other house is definitely open to his disdain in his classes. He's bitter, he's got a bad attitude for a teacher, and if he is going to handle himself in such a way in Potions, who is to say that he won't do the same in DADA, which is a very important class concerning the impending war. Respect is respect. Snape should respect all those who enter his classroom. Whatever he's teaching.

To sum all this up, he's probably better off staying in the dungeons, teaching Potions.

[tangerinesidhe.livejournal.com]

You claim that his Dark Arts knowledge has dwindled over the past 14 years, but I beg to differ. Even though Professor Snape is not teaching DADA, it does not mean that he has not been practicing it. Indeed, his work for the Order seems to, frankly, require that he possess such skill and knowledge and excercise it on a regular basis.

Even if Snape is better at potions, he still deserves a chance to teach DADA. DADA needs a good teacher, and even if it means placing a superb potions master into the position it should be done. There has been repeated difficulty in securing faculty to fill this position. In the most recent case, Dumbledore failed to place anyone in the position, and instead the Ministry sent Umbridge over. Even if you are a hater of Snape's teaching methodology, I thik all would agree that he would have been preferrable over Umbridge. Even if he is unneccessarily hard on his students, he does make sure that they have both theoretical and practical knowledge in his lessons. I believe that this is a methodology he would carry over to the field of DADA.

--Destiny, Gryffindor

Master!

[prettyveela.livejournal.com]

I think Snape would be a wonderful DADA teacher and should get the position.

Snape not only would teach the class, he's lived the class. I think it's very important that a DADA teacher has experienced what he teaches and that's Snape. He knows things that other candidates would not know about Dark Arts and he could teach his class how to defend themselves.

Snape has faults but what human being doesn't? Snape should not be put on some impossible pedestal that the other teachers are not required to meet. The students are about to be in the middle of a second war and they need to know not only how to protect themselves, but to survive. If my son or daughter were at Hogwarts, I want the teacher that has the ability to teach them BOTH and that's Professor Severus Snape.


PV/Slytherin

Master!!

[hackergroupie.livejournal.com]

I've said it before, Professor Severus Snape would be an outstanding DADA teacher. As the Potions Master, it is already fact that he can shape the young minds in his class so that they can learn the fundamentals (if not the more advanced aspects) of potion making. A witch or wizard who cannot make a potion is a shame!

A witch or wizard who cannot defend him/herself in a time of crisis is also a shame. And worse, facing a horrible, and painful death.

Professor Snape has all the skills required (and then some!) of a DADA teacher.a He has first hand knowledge of what horrors are out there in the wizarding world. He was, in fact, one of those terrors. As a former Death Eater, he is best able to teach students what they need to know in terms of magical defenses - but also in how the twisted minds of the Death Eaters work. He knows the ways the Death Eater's attack and because of this, can aptly show his students how to defend against it.

Professor Snape also has great authority and demands his students to work above and beyond the 'average' skill level. He pushes his students to be the best. His ways aren't always orthodox, but he gets results. He isn't a soft teacher who coddles his students and believes satisfactory is acceptable. He wants the best. But only because he knows students are capable when pushed and molded into it.

Because Professor Snape knows the most complicated of potions, he is also that much more qualified to teach DADA. How many other DADA teachers can show students how to counteract deadly potions that might incapacitate or kill the unsuspecting? How many other DADA teachers can show students how to be defensive AND offensive?

Hogwarts has a recent history of hiring from outside the school. The teachers have been poor choices indeed! Aside from the fact that Professor Quirrell shared his body with You-Know-Who, he also was a frightened man who jumped at his own shadow. Do you want your children taught by that?

Another professor was a Werewolf. A possible danger to everyone had Professor Snape not stepped in with his magical talents. And even if we ignore the fact that Headmaster Dumbledore hired a werewolf, we still are stuck with a teacher who thinks learning about boggarts is more important that learning how to handle the most dangerous of creatures: wizards gone bad.

I could go on about the list of DADA teachers the wonderful institution of Hogwarts has had over the past five years, but I don't believe it is fully necessary.

Professor Snape has shown his commitment to Hogwarts. He has helped shape many talented young witches and wizards into the adults they are today. He has practical knowledge of what to expect in the upcoming war.

And more, Professor Snape has proven his loyalty to the side of good.

And that cannot be said of all of Hogwart's past teachers.

Severus Snape not only deserves the position of DADA instructor, but is needed there.

~Hacker Groupie, Slytherin