Esteemed teacher (4)
I believe the answer is:
guru
'esteemed teacher' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for guru that I've seen before include "Spiritual guide" , "Recognised expert in some field" , "Wise leader" , "Name given to the each of the first ten leaders of the Sikh religion" , "Swami" .)