Final answer:
The statement means educators need to understand both their students and the subject they teach. They should have knowledge of their students' strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles, as well as a deep understanding of the subject matter.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Paulo Freire in his book Pedagogy of the Oppressed, the statement "The educator is responsible for a knowledge of individuals and for a knowledge of subject-matter" means that educators have two important responsibilities. Firstly, they need to have a deep understanding of the students they teach - their strengths, weaknesses, learning styles, and individual needs. Secondly, they need to have a thorough knowledge of the subject they're teaching, including the content, concepts, and teaching methods related to that subject.
For example, a math teacher needs to know the mathematical concepts, formulas, and problem-solving techniques in order to effectively teach math to students. At the same time, they need to understand how each student learns best, which can help them tailor their teaching to meet the needs of individual students.
In summary, the educator's responsibility is not only to have expertise in the subject they teach, but also to have a deep understanding of their students' needs and abilities.