Followers advanced, shy about Liberal publication for teachers (8)
I believe the answer is:
acolytes
'followers' is the definition.
(an acolyte is a follower or assistant)
'advanced shy about liberal publication for teachers' is the wordplay.
'advanced' becomes 'a' (abbreviation).
'shy' becomes 'coy' (coy can mean shy or modest).
'about' indicates putting letters inside.
'liberal' becomes 'l' (abbreviation).
'publication for teachers' becomes 'TES' (Times Educational Supplement).
'coy' enclosing 'l' is 'coly'.
'a'+'coly'+'tes'='ACOLYTES'
(Other definitions for acolytes that I've seen before include "They assist the clergy in liturgical services" , "Assistants or attendants" , "They assist priests or ministers in liturgical service" , "Cosy tale (anag) - followers" , "They assist priests in services" .)