The Harry Potter phenomenon created a surge in reading with a lasting effect on all areas of culture, especially education. Today, teachers across the world are harnessing the power of the series to teach history, gender studies, chemistry, religion, philosophy, sociology, architecture, Latin, medieval studies, astronomy, SAT skills, and much more. These essays discuss the diverse educational possibilities of J.K. Rowling's books. Teachers of younger students use Harry and Hermione to encourage kids with disabilities or show girls the power of being brainy scientists. Students are reading fanfiction, splicing video clips, or exploring Rowling's new website, Pottermore. Harry Potter continues to open new doors to learning.

Given the current educational climate of high stakes testing, standardized curriculum, and 'approved' reading lists, incorporating unauthorized, popular literature into the classroom becomes a political choice. The authors examine why teachers choose to read Harry Potter , how they use the books, and the resulting teacher-student interactions.

Journey through every Hogwarts professor's teaching style. - Can a werewolf teach effective lessons about monsters? - Will prophecies of death put a damper on your class environment? - Can a wizarding celebrity learn to put his students before himself? - Is the Dark Lord on the back of your head technically your co-teacher? Education books are often filled with stories of success, charity and perfection. But they fail to capture the true nature of teaching-it's messy. In The Magical Teachers of Harry Potter, you'll take a journey through every Hogwarts professor's teaching style and compare their experiences with the successes and-more importantly-the failures teachers experience inside a muggle classroom. This is where analyzing fictional characters gives a distinct advantage. Inside these pages are lessons from teachers you won't find in any other education book, including a half-giant who is too insecure to share his passion for magical creatures, a ghost who puts students to sleep, a Death Eater who gives surprisingly great career advice and a toad-like woman who abuses her students. What better way to grow as a teacher than to learn from these familiar professors' strengths and weaknesses? But this book is not just for educators. Any Harry Potter fan can appreciate reading more about the Hogwarts teachers who have already taught us so much. Harry's professors show us there isn't just one spell you can cast to become a perfect teacher-every day muggle teachers of all kinds bring true magic into their classrooms.

The only Authorized Biography of J.K. Rowling.

Joanne Rowling’s great epic is forming the faith and moral vision of millions of people. If you are reading this book, forming faith is at least part or maybe all of your vocation, as teacher, pastor, parent, godparent, roommate, sibling, spouse, or friend. In baptism we vow to form our faith and the faith of others. To not use this modern epic in your sacred work is to leave on the table one of the most ubiquitous and enchanting tools of our time to awaken and baptize the imagination. Don’t put this wand away.

Before she was a renowned children's author, J.K. Rowling was an educator. Her bestselling series, Harry Potter, places education at the forefront, focusing not only on Harry, Ron, and Hermione's adventures but also on their magical education. This multi-author collection shines a light on the central role of education within the Harry Potter series, exploring the pedagogical possibilities of using Harry Potter to enhance teaching effectiveness. Authors examine topics related to environments for learning, approaches to teaching and learning, and the role of mentorship. Created for scholars, teachers, and fans alike, this collection provides an entry into pedagogical theories and offers critical perspectives on the quality of Hogwarts education--from exemplary to abusive and every approach in between. Hogwarts provides many lessons for educators, both magical and muggle alike.

Explores the true history, folklore, and mythology behind the magical practices, creatures and personalities that appear in J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter books.