sinistra @ 2002-05-31 14:02:00

Current mood:

contemplative

I have always tried to put faith in Professor Dumbledore's decisions, however, I must admit that I am becoming increasingly more skeptical, particularly about his choice in other teachers.

For example, I was very surprised to hear of Professor Lupin's decision to rejoin the staff. I had been under the impression that he had decided to resign a few years ago because he still felt his condition provided a danger to the students here. I do not see what has changed this particular choice as there have been no ground-breaking cures to his illness that I am aware of. Is he not then still a danger? However, I am first to admit he is not a completely incompetent teacher and I feel he is better suited for his new position than his previous.

Yet this is not my only concern in Professor Dumbledore's decisions. When he made Hagrid a teacher I was very skeptical and I think this was well founded. After all, Hagrid lacks forsight for his actions and had put children in danger multiple times. Despite his enthusiasm for magical creatures and some knowledge of them, he did not have the education nor the ability to carry out this responsibility.

And what about his decision to select Sirius Black as DADA professor? I have no doubts that Professor Black is a clever man. However, he spent approximately ten years in Azkaban at which time there is no possible way he could have kept up with the latest developments in DADA studies. This is a man who is knowledgable in DADA ten years ago and brilliant or not, I have high doubts that he could catch up so quickly in a few years time. However, I also understand that wizards and witches (who are actually qualified for this position) fear taking the post due to it's rumours of being cursed.

In truth, many professors these days are actively trying to be chums with their students above actually teaching them. It is unfortunate that the standards of hiring qualified teachers has dropped so drastically. I am even more embarrassed to be a teacher these days than I was several years ago. I am surprised Hogwarts reputation has not diminished.

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