‘My passion for ‘Harry Potter’ has helped me see the magic in everyday life. It has also allowed me to share that magic with my students, who now get to go on the same adventures.’

Baldwin

“I instantly connected with the ‘Harry Potter’ series because I loved the fantasy aspect of it. When I was 9, I picked up the first book and couldn’t put it down. It’s adventurous, plus I identified with Hermione. It escalated into something more when I was in high school. I would plan midnight showing parties of the films with my friends. I started listening to a Harry Potter podcast and would frequent Mugglenet.com. I found people online who would want to talk about the series, so we would chat on Skype.

“I started listening to cool Wizard Rock groups like Harry and the Potters and Draco and the Malfoys. I went to Terminus, my first Harry Potter convention, in 2008 in Chicago. (I brought my dad with me because I wasn’t old enough to be at the hotel by myself!) I also went to LeakyCon in Boston and the NYC Wizard Rock Festival in Brooklyn, which is exactly as dorky as you would imagine. A big theme throughout the books is the power of love and friendship, along with trying your best and not doubting your own abilities.

A big theme throughout the books is the power of love and friendship, along with trying your best and not doubting your own abilities. As an educator, I realize that those are values that can easily be transferred to the classroom.

“As an educator, I realize that those are values that can easily be transferred to the classroom. I love being able to introduce students to ‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone’ because it obviously made an impact on my life. I have used Harry Potter as a behavior management system in my English classes. I have the four house flags and divide the students into houses. Participation and critical thinking allows them to earn points, while disruptions deduct points. Students encourage each other to behave and participate. I dress up and bring props like a Mirror of Erised and a mechanical sorting hat. I put students on a stool and they wear the hat to get sorted.

“When McGonagall gives her big speech, I wear a robe and practice my Scottish accent. I even have a small Harry Potter lightning bolt tattoo because it has had significant meaning to me for the past 20 years. My passion for ‘Harry Potter’ has helped me see the magic in everyday life. It has helped me make connections with people around the U.S. and find common ground with them. It has also allowed me to share that magic with my students, who now get to go on the same adventures.”