A classical case of both can be true at the same time. Like in every similar position (e.g. sports trainers, preachers, band leaders, ...) teachers are both po

A classical case of both can be true at the same time. Like in every similar position (e.g. sports trainers, preachers, band leaders, ...) teachers are both powerless and powerful at the same time. If the student has respect for them/their role the power can be real, if we are talking about students who question the rules (and have parents that don't care/actively support the breaking of them) teachers are powerless. Is a babysitter powerful? Towards an adult no, towards the child yes. Towards a certain type of child, no.