One of the main things I look for is retention. I'd rather a teacher have only 7 students but 100 lessons from those repeat students.If students are constantly coming back, I know this is probably a teacher worth checking out.

Of course there are other characteristics I look for, but this is definitely one of the main factors.

I think now more than ever there is so much choice regarding teachers. I would set the filters when searching according to your preferences then have a look at the teachers you find.

There is no such thing as the perfect teacher, different teachers are better for different students and vice versa. Many teachers offer trial lessons so you can see if this is something you want to pursue. Alternatively you could contact various teachers saying what you want to improve and book a lesson with the teacher you like the sound of best.

Hi, Lee

Nobody can guarantee that you'll find the perfect teacher. If you know where you're at and what you want to achieve, if you have clear objectives in mind, etc, it's a good start. Then, keep in mind that on Italki:

1) Some teachers offer trial lessons, which are shorter and cheaper than the usual ones

2) Decide whether you want a teacher (with teaching background) or a tutor (no teaching background)

3) Each and every teacher/tutor has an introductory video. This way you can hear them speak in your target language. You can also find out a bit about them, see their face, hear their voice. Choose the one(s) you feel a connection with

4) Check what kind of lessons they offer. Some offer only conversation practice, others can prepare you for different exams. Some require an intermediate or a higher level, some teach beginners as well

5) Look at the teacher's profile, read the reviews there, etc

6) There are a lot of filters on Italki. You can select according to the mother tongue, the country they are from, the languages they speak apart from your target language

I agree with Altini about student retention. If a teacher has had 150 lessons from 150 different students, this shows that students haven't signed up for more classes. However, if a teacher has had 150 lessons from 15 different students, this shows that students have liked the lessons and have paid for more classes (this is an extreme example but you see the point I'm making).

I found an excellent Spanish teacher this way and I think it is a useful strategy.

Jamie (www.italki.com/jamie.teacher)

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