What is a person called who acts as a teacher and a guide?

A mentor is someone who provides guidance, support, and knowledge to another individual, often in a professional or educational context. This role involves not just teaching specific skills or information but also imparting wisdom, sharing experiences, and helping the mentee navigate their personal or professional development. A mentor fosters a relationship that encourages growth, self-discovery, and confidence in the mentee.

In contrast, a peer refers to someone of equal standing or experience, typically in the same age group or profession, who may share experiences but does not necessarily provide guidance. A colleague is a coworker or fellow professional, sharing a workplace or profession, but may not have a mentoring relationship. An instructor primarily focuses on teaching specific subjects or skills in an educational setting without the broader developmental aspects associated with mentoring.