7 Lessons for Teachers From Dumbledore

One of my favorite times of the day is when I settle in with my two young daughters for read-aloud time. For several years, we’ve been working our way through the Harry Potter series. I had read them all before, but it’s been a delight to read them again with my girls, using as many voices as possible and seeing the incredible story through their eyes. 

This second reading has also revealed many secrets about teaching and living, especially when it comes to Dumbledore. The way he interacts with Harry, fellow teachers, muggles, and various magical creatures has lessons for all of us—especially teachers and parents. Whether you’ve read the Harry Potter series or not, there’s wisdom in this character we can all learn from.

Calm Acceptance

“You do care,” said Dumbledore. He had not flinched or made a single move to stop Harry demolishing his office. His expression was calm, almost detached. “You care so much you feel as though you will bleed to death with the pain of it.” —Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

No matter what Dumbledore is faced with, he calmly accepts this reality. When Harry is throwing Dumbledore’s belongings around his office—devastated from the loss of a parent-like figure—Dumbledore is a witness to Harry’s emotions. He doesn’t escalate the situation by getting angry, yelling back, or sending Harry to a break or time out. He simply allows Harry to have those emotions and reflects them back, showing that he is listening. He is witnessing. He is calm. Isn’t that what most of our students want? To be heard, witnessed, and have a calm adult to help them? There are many lessons for me in this as a parent and a teacher.

Kindness in the Face of Rudeness

“I don't mean to be rude —” he [Vernon] began, in a tone that threatened rudeness in every syllable.
“— yet, sadly, accidental rudeness occurs alarmingly often,” Dumbledore finished the sentence gravely. “Best to say nothing at all, my dear man.” —Harry Potter and The Half Blood Prince

The Dursleys (Harry’s relatives) are mean, spiteful, and rude to Harry and Dumbledore. They bluster, they insult, and they neglect. Dumbledore isn’t shaken. He says what he thinks should happen, such as “Let us assume that you have invited me in, shall we?” It is disarming, but it shows what the behavior could be. He is calm. He is kind. He doesn’t sink to the level of spite or sarcasm when faced with bald rudeness and discomfort. What is behind the Dursleys’ behavior? Fear, self-doubt, uncertainty? The same is likely true for many of our students.

Self-Deprecating Humor

“Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! Before we begin our banquet, I would like to say a few words. And here they are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!” —Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

Dumbledore doesn’t think he’s perfect. He breaks uncomfortable silences with a pleasant joke or comment. He defuses stressful situations instead of making them worse. He knows he’s a work in progress just like everyone else. This is an excellent point for parents and teachers. It helps everyone have more joy and a growth mindset. We all have progress to make—every single one of us.

Being Humble

Everybody finished the song at different times. Dumbledore conducted their last few lines with his wand and when they had finished, he was one of those who clapped loudest. “Ah music,” he said, wiping his eyes. “A magic beyond all we do here!” —Harry Potter and The Sorcerer’s Stone

Dumbledore is one of the strongest wizards in all the land. You wouldn’t know that, though. He’s approachable, calm, and humble. He doesn’t assume he has all the answers or is the best. He lets his actions speak for him and doesn’t boast of his accomplishments. Being fallible is a gift we can give our students. “Look,” we are saying, “we make mistakes too.”

Looking Out for Inequality

“It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be.” —Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Dumbledore fights for the underdog, the underrepresented, those who are vulnerable. He protects them with his magic and his decisions. As teachers, we must do this every day as well. We must remember and apply this lesson from Dumbledore day in and day out. We dwell in potential.

Showing Up

“I am not worried, Harry,” said Dumbledore, his voice a little stronger despite the freezing water. “I am with you.” —Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

Even when he has an injury or personal struggle, Dumbledore puts the needs of others before his own. He shows up and is present for his students and staff despite personal challenges. The gift of showing up, being persistent even in challenging times, is inspiring in a time of conflicting information and strife in public education (and parenting).

Being Brave

“It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.” —Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

It may be hard. You may be sitting in a staff meeting, a school board meeting, on a committee, or at a professional development training.  Being brave looks like speaking up for kids and teachers and what you know is true. You have lots of experience and should have a voice in how your school works and how you can be the best teacher (or parent) possible. Trust your voice, be brave, and share it regularly. Just as Dumbledore would do.

In fact just today, I told my students about these lessons from Dumbledore. When something went wrong in the classroom (the technology didn’t work), a student simply said, “Dumbledore!” That was all I needed. I searched for what Dumbledore would do, and decided calm acceptance and patience was the way to go. I need to keep Dumbledore’s lessons in mind each day as I teach, parent, and am a colleague, partner, and friend.