15 Hogwarts Professors Who Are Actually Good At Their Job, Ranked By Potterheads

Subject: Defense Against the Dark Arts (1993-94)

Who Is He? Remus Lupin is the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher in Harry's third year at Hogwarts. During his school days, he was sorted into Gryffindor. A good student and Gryffindor prefect, he didn't complete many of his duties due to his secret status as a werewolf.

After graduating, Lupin found it difficult to hold a job because of his lycanthropy. He's appointed at Hogwarts by Dumbledore, gaining legitimate employment for the first time in his life. Lupin's time at the school as a teacher is mostly successful until his werewolf condition once again becomes an issue. After nearly slaying Harry and his friends in werewolf form, Lupin resigns from the position.

Teaching Style: Lupin is a hands-on teacher who creates a real-world environment in his classes. He has students facing creatures like Hinkypunks, Boggarts, Grindylows, and Red Caps so they learn how to practically apply defensive spells. Lupin encourages less-confident students like Neville to come out of their shells and feel empowered. In particular, he's responsible for teaching Harry the Patronus charm, which becomes instrumental in his conflict with the dementors.

Lupin isn't teaching when the Golden Trio takes their O.W.L exams. However, the exam he sets for them during their third year is an obstacle course containing each dark creature he's taught them about. Ron and Hermione achieve high marks while Harry tops the class with a perfect score. 

Lupin is directly involved in the trio's adventures during their third year. He's present when they meet Sirius Black and inadvertently causes Peter Pettigrew's escape when he transforms into a werewolf. During the Battle of Hogwarts, Lupin fights with Harry's allies but is slain by Antonin Dolohov.

Subject: Transfiguration (1910s-1998)

Who Is She? Minerva McGonagall is the Head of Gryffindor House and the Transfiguration Department at Hogwarts. In her youth, McGonagall was a star student at Hogwarts and part of the Gryffindor Quidditch team. 

After graduating from Hogwarts, McGonagall worked at the Ministry of Magic in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. However, she craved the environment of her youth and applied at Hogwarts, where she was swiftly accepted to work under Albus Dumbledore. By 1956, McGonagall becomes Head of the Department. During Harry's time at the school, McGonagall serves as the Deputy Headmistress, eventually becoming Headmistress after the Wizarding War. 

Teaching Style: McGonagall is the strictest teacher at Hogwarts. No student (including Slytherins) has the guts to misbehave in her class. She shows zero partiality toward students of her own house even if she might have a soft spot for them. McGonagall recognizes if a student is suited for Transfiguration or not; instead of giving them false hope, she advises them to switch to a subject they're better suited for.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione acknowledge the difficulty with McGonagall's coursework. However, they pass with far better scores than their classmates - Hermione receives an Outstanding O.W.L. while Ron and Harry achieve Exceeds Expectations. 

McGonagall is generally bemused with the trio's knack for getting into trouble. Although she sticks up for them whenever the need arises, she doesn't mind docking 50 points each when they're caught out of bed after hours. During the Battle of Hogwarts, McGonagall leads the fortification of Hogwarts after Harry tells her of Voldemort's imminent arrival.

Subject: Charms (pre-1974-?)

Who Is He? Filius Flitwick is the Head of Ravenclaw House and the Head of the Charms Department at Hogwarts. Also a Ravenclaw in his youth, Flitwick was known for being braver than most from his house. As a wizard with Goblin ancestry, he is of extremely short stature and slightly resembles Goblins.

After graduating, Flitwick traveled around the country as a duelist. He became a renowned dueling champion, defending the title long enough for his name to be remembered decades after leaving the sport. Before or during James Potter's time at Hogwarts, Flitwick was hired as the Charms teacher at Hogwarts. 

Teaching Style: Flitwick is a laid-back, good-natured teacher, although he does get exasperated at times. His initial style is to encourage students to be bold and try their best from the get-go. However, repeated failures or disastrous results generally lead to frustration on his part.

Although Harry and Ron aren't star Charms students and take some time to learn, they never really struggle; Hermione aces the classes each time. For their O.W.Ls, Harry and Ron receive an Exceeds Expectations while Hermione passes with an Outstanding.

Flitwick doesn't get involved with the Golden Trio's adventures. During the Battle of Hogwarts, he demonstrates his talents as a duelist by beating several Death Eaters, including Antonin Dolohov.

Subject: Herbology (pre-1984-2014)

Who Is She? Pomona Sprout, a Hufflepuff during her own time at Hogwarts, is the Head of Hufflepuff House and the Herbology Department. As a kind-natured teacher who encourages her students to give their best, she's never cross or rude, and hands out points to any student who shows a desire to learn. Sprout is particularly caring toward Neville Longbottom, who displays a natural talent for Herbology. She's also responsible for preparing medicinal herbs unavailable in the Hospital Wing - her harvesting of mandrakes allows petrified students to be cured of the Basilisk's attack.

Teaching Style: Sprout's classes are usually loud and sometimes chaotic, which she prefers because it creates an inclusive environment. Sprout can be a bit casual about certain things; for example, she doesn't check up on students who get smacked in the face by magical plants and leaves those who might faint on the ground to recover themselves. 

Although Ron and Harry never excel at the subject, they and Hermione consider her a capable teacher. For their O.W.Ls, Hary and Ron receive an Exceeds Expectations grade while Hermione achieves an Outstanding.

Sprout isn't directly involved with the Golden Trio's exploits, although she does have an impact behind the scenes. The three overcome the Venomous Tentacula she's placed as one of the trials for the Sorcerer's Stone; the potion from her mandrakes is responsible for curing Hermione's certification; and in the Battle of Hogwarts, Sprout uses magical plants like Venomous Tentaculas and Snargaluffs against the Death Eaters.

Subject: Defense Against the Dark Arts (1910s-?) and Transfiguration (1930s-1956)

Who Is He? Albus Dumbledore, considered the greatest wizard in modern history, was once the Head of Gryffindor House and Deputy Headmaster at Hogwarts before becoming the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, and later, the Head of the Transfiguration Department, and ultimately the Headmaster. As a youth, he was sorted into Gryffindor house, where he served as a prefect and Head Boy. Dumbledore's academic brilliance is rivaled only by that of Tom Riddle, and he received perfect marks in every exam he took.

After graduating, Dumbledore planned to tour the world, but was forced to stay back home after his mother's passing to look after her siblings. Following the tragic accidental slaying of his sister by either himself, his brother, or Gellert Grindelwald', Dumbledore took a job at Hogwarts and rejected any offers for positions of power at the Ministry of Magic. His eventual tenure as headmaster is regarded as the best in Hogwarts history.

Teaching Style: As the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Dumbledore keeps a firm but understanding hand at his students. He doesn't give too much leeway, but also never makes them feel weak or inferior. Dumbledore likes to be practical and has his class demonstrate their skills in front of him. 

While acknowledging a student's limitations, Dumbledore looks to get them to focus on their strengths. As a Transfiguration teacher, he is known to have wowed students with his incredible abilities and inspired them to shoot for similar heights. He could also see through his students' personalities, as acknowledged by Tom Riddle, who admits that Dumbledore never fell for his good-boy act.

Subject: Flying class and Quidditch referee (pre-1975-?)

Who Is She? Rolanda Hooch is the flying instructor and Quidditch referee at Hogwarts. Her house as a student is unknown, but she's among the oldest staff members, having learned how to fly on a Silver Arrow broom (these were produced before 1890). 

Hooch's primary duties are to teach first-year students control of broomsticks. She's also a broomstick expert; McGonagall entrusts her with Harry's Firebolt to detect traces of jinxes or dark magic. Her other responsibilities are refereeing Quidditch games and keeping students safe from injury during matches. 

Teaching Style: Hooch is a no-nonsense instructor who doesn't believe in handholding teaching techniques. She gets straight to the point and throws remarks toward those who don't demonstrate the required skill. Nevertheless, she cares for Neville after he injures himself. As a referee, Hooch is impartial and prone to losing her temper if she catches any players breaking the rules.