I've always thought that he's a great teacher.

[YAMATO2201]

1) I've always thought that he's a great teacher.

2) I've always thought that he was a great teacher.

Which is correct? If both are correct, what's the difference?

 

[Rover_KE]

in #1 he's still teaching; in 2 he may or may not still be teaching.

 

[YAMATO2201]

in #1 he's still teaching; in 2 he may or may not still be teaching.

[Question 1] Does #1 imply that the speaker thinks he is still a great teacher?

[Question 2] If he is still teaching, does #2 imply that the speaker thinks he is still a great teacher?

 

[jutfrank]

Yes and yes.

 

[YAMATO2201]

Yes and yes.

Does the following sentence sound weird to you?

I've always thought that he was a great teacher, but I may change my mind.

 

[jutfrank]

Yes.

("change my mind")

 

[teechar]

You can say, e.g.,
I've always thought that he was a great teacher, but I may change my mind if the rumours about his professional misconduct turn out to be true.

 

[YAMATO2201]

Do #1 and #2 have the same meaning if he is still teaching?

 

[jutfrank]

Do #1 and #2 have the same meaning if he is still teaching?

Probably, yes.