Teacher accepting thanks for something noteworthy (5)

I believe the answer is:

sitar

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'something noteworthy' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'teacher accepting thanks' is the wordplay.
'teacher' becomes 'sir' (I've seen this before).
'accepting' indicates putting letters inside.
'thanks' becomes 'ta' (UK informal version of 'thank you').
'sir' placed around 'ta' is 'SITAR'.

'for' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sitar that I've seen before include "Indian stringed instrument" , "Indian string instrument" , "It takes pluck" , "Stringed instrument of the subcontinent" , "Large Indian lute" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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