Ah ! Very interesting to hear a teacher address this subject. I do not qualify as a music teacher even though I like to share what I know about it. I still am and probably be forever a student...
As most beginners, I guess, I began playing simple chords on simple songs and expanded my repertoire with more complex chords.
When I turned to fingerstyle, I soon understood I had to know at least a bit about musical theory (reading staff, using scales, modes, CAGED system and so on) if I wished to customize my personal tabs. I am still working at it on my now permanent leisure times...