The tough type, but heartening for teachers (5)

I believe the answer is:

butch

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This might be a double definition.

'the tough' is the first definition.
(I've seen this before)

'type but heartening for teachers' is the second definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for butch that I've seen before include "Aggressively masculine" , "Acting as a male (colloq.)" , "Macho" , "Tough" , "Markedly masculine" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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