The old professor often talked to Señor Saguaro—and to us. He was not certified to teach in Arizona, but that did not stop him. Every Saturday morning his house became a school. Fourth-graders, twelfth-graders—all are welcome. No tests, no grades, no attendance record. Just the best school most of us had ever gone to. He covered everything from toothpaste to tapeworms and somehow made it fit together (7.5).
Archie is a teacher by his very nature. He doesn't have to be in a school following a curriculum; he sees those teachable-moments everywhere and thoroughly enjoys imparting his knowledge and wisdom to anyone, specifically young people, who is willing to learn. We kind of wish he were our neighbor, too.
"I want to put her on Hot Seat. Dorko Borlock here doesn't want to."
Archie studied me through the smoke. I thought I saw approval, but when he spoke, he merely said, "Work it out, men" (7.48-49).
Leo is very perceptive. He often knows things, but then he second-guesses himself or is just too cowardly and messes things up. It is most likely true that Archie does agree with Leo. He wouldn't want Stargirl on their mean-spirited show. However, he knows that sometimes, we have to figure things out for ourselves. It is much more important for them to learn to resolve their conflicts without adult interference.
"So, what should I do?"
Archie waved his hand. "Oh, well, that's the easy part. Stay away from her: your problem's kaput."
I sneered. "Great advice. You know it's not that easy."
He did know, of course, but he wanted me to say it" (19. 16-19).
Great teachers have a way of letting us come to our own conclusions, even when they've known them all along. Of course Archie is acting more like a counselor than a teacher, here. He knows what's right, but he won't tell Leo, because it's more important that Leo come to the same conclusion all on his own. That way, it's more meaningful.