I'm a teacher now because of one of my former teachers' strong influences on me

[Enjoyenglish]

We have a question to do. It says to write the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first.
- I'm a teacher now because of one of my former teachers' strong influences on me
=>If ................................................................................................................
a- If it weren't for one of my former teachers' strong influences on me, I wouldn't be a teacher now. (my friend's)
b- If it hadn't been for one of my former teachers' strong influences on me, I wouldn't be a teacher now. (mine)
Which is correct, please?

 

[Rover_KE]

First let your own teacher see your efforts and come back to us if you have any further questions on this topic.

 

[Enjoyenglish]

Sorry. We are teaching ourselves, so we need the help from the teachers here.
The original sentnece has the phrase "fomer teachers", so I think their influences are in the past. What I think is wrong?

 

[GoesStation]

Either version is possible.