I think being open in our community is a very important and big part of teaching others. It can help others to find themselves and who they are, what they like and don't like as well as help free them from every day stresses. Those who are not open or are narrow minded and unwilling to discuss certain topics with those who are new or curious within the community, only shut people down. We need to help build people up and teach them more about their interests and likes, show them how much fun, love, and support there is out there for them if they only ask for it.
It is important to remember that at one point we were all new and had no idea what was out there waiting for us. Pass on your knowledge to someone else so they can learn and grow as a person. They will eventually pass it on to others and help spread it among the community to make great connections and friendships that are important.
Maybe they don't know what they like and don't like, that is perfectly okay, they are brand new it simply means they are a blank slate. Don't start by freaking them out with whipping, piercing with needles and hard core S&M stuff that might freak them out, start with basic safety stuff they should know. Maybe termonolgy would be good so they are not so in the dark in this new environment. Give them a link or two with real BDSM topics to look at so they can see what all is out there that perhaps they might want further information about. They dont have to try anything just because they are curious mind you, but the more they know the safe they are and the better choices they can make.
Anyone can be a teacher Dom, sub, Master, slave, Handler, pet or switch, it doesn't matter your title or standing in the community. If you know things and are asked questions about things and feel comfortable, then I say go ahead and answer them to the best of your ability. Make a new friend even one can never have too many friends and perhaps along the way you will happen to learn new things as well to expand and grow yourself. This is my general opinion but you can never stop learning in our community and the day you say you have nothing left to learn, or that you know it all, is the day you need to step back, take a deep long look at yourself in the mirror (both externally and internally), and ask yourself this one question: Do I know everything there is to know about everything going on within the BDSM community all the time to the point I am expert at everything? If the answer is no then great you have room to learn some more, if it is yes. . .I'm sorry your mind has been clouded by bad judgement.