How to find the right language teacher

Finding the Right Teacher: A Guide for Self-Learners

Being a self-learner doesn’t mean you’re in it alone. In fact, being an effective self-learner means actively experimenting, figuring out what works for you, and tuning in to your own needs. It means understanding how your brain works and what activities align with your learning style.

It also means building a support system - finding a community that cheers you on when motivation lags or teaming up with the right teacher. Finding someone who can guide you, inspire you, and be a deep well of knowledge and experience to draw upon is a great investment.

How to Find the Right Teacher or Tutor

In this post, I’ll use the terms teacher and tutor interchangeably. Both refer to language professionals who help with learning typically as self-employed freelancers, often online, in school, at work, or in a course.

There are great teachers, average ones, and some who aren’t the best. Good teachers often have packed schedules, and when they do have openings, they look for students who are engaged and committed. So, how do you find a teacher that’s the right fit for you?

Key Factors to Consider

Online or in-person?

While we're all probably used to the traditional in-person classes from our school days, now is the time to embrace online lessons (yay to learning in pyjama pants!). Remote learning isn’t just a convenience - it’s a game-changer. Online lessons save commute time for both you and your teacher, making scheduling more flexible and efficient. Plus, you’re not limited to local tutors - you can learn from someone halfway across the world, adding an extra layer of cultural exchange to your lessons. Embrace the work-from-anywhere mindset and get curious about where your teacher lives - who knows, their stories might just inspire you to try the lifestyle yourself.

What excites you about learning?

A great teacher should spark your curiosity and leave you eager to learn more. They want engaged students - ones with goals, big or small. If you don’t have a clear goal yet, that’s okay! A good teacher should help you find your focus.

Are you on the same wavelength?

A great teacher doesn’t just teach; they should also radiate a positive, welcoming atmosphere. Someone who clicks with you personally can make learning feel less like work and more like good times with a friend. (Bonus points if they make you laugh!)

Can you afford their price, and how do you know it's fair?

Trust me when I say that all good teachers spend a lot of time setting their rates. They’ve agonized over every price increase, doubted themselves and worked hard to justify their worth. If they’re experienced and their rate reflect that, it’s likely fair.

Remember, an hourly lesson fee isn’t just for the 60 minutes they spend with you. It also covers lesson prep, admin work, taxes, equipment, and even small things many of us get at an office for free - like coffee (it adds up, for real).

If a teacher’s rate feels high, consider teaming up with another student. Group lessons often come at a lower price, and learning with someone at a similar level can be both motivating and fun.

Does the scheduling work?

Most teachers cater to students with regular jobs, meaning their evening slots fill up fast. If you’re flexible and available during off-peak hours (mornings or midday), you may have better luck.

What's their teaching style?

Some teachers stick to textbooks, while others take a more flexible, modern approach. I personally never liked textbook-based lessons, but I’ve met students who specifically requested them - needless to say, we weren’t a great match. Finding a teacher whose style aligns with how you learn best is key, especially if you thrive on a creative, out-of-the-box approach.

3 Steps to Finding a Great Teacher

STEP 1: Know yourself first

Before evaluating teachers and what they have to offer, take some time to reflect on what you need.

• What do you want to achieve?

  Whatever your goal, your future teacher will want to know!

  • Preparing for an exam?

  • Communicating while traveling?

  • Business communication?

  • Reaching B2 level?

  • Just casual conversation?

  • Brushing up on old skills?

• What’s your study style?

  Reflect on past language-learning experiences. What worked? What didn’t?

  • Are you a visual learner?

  • Do you need structure?

  • Do you like working alone?

  • Time for home-work or limited time during the week?

  • Do you prefer real-world materials over textbooks?

  • Would you rather be in a group or one-on-one?

STEP 2: Search, explore, dig deep, ask around

• Get to know them.

  Check out their profile on professional networks, browse their website (does it make a good first impression?), watch their YouTube if they have it, read independent reviews.

  Pay attention to how they use the language: listen for their pronunciation, fluency, and overall appearance.

  But it’s not just about their qualifications. There are other cues to give you a good idea of how professional they are: a well-designed website, good tech skills, or a confident video introduction.

• Sign up for an intro lesson.

  Many great teachers offer a free sample lesson or let you observe a group session. This helps you see their teaching style, energy, and tech skills in action.

  If the vibe isn’t right, that’s okay! Just be polite and let them know. What's not ok is ghosting them.

• Ask for recommendations.

  If a teacher you like is not available, ask if they can recommend someone. Good teachers often have a network of equally good colleagues.

  Language forums and Facebook groups can also be useful for finding recommendations.

STEP 3: Show up and be a good student

You found a teacher and signed up for lessons - now it’s time to make the most of it.

• Be present and engaged.

  Come ready to learn, participate, and take notes.

• Speak up if something isn’t working.

  Your teacher wants to help you, but they’re not mind readers.

• Respect their time.

  Cancel lessons in advance if needed, pay on time, and stick to your commitments.

• Build a good relationship.

  A strong student-teacher connection benefits both of you. If you earn their trust, your teacher is more likely to go out of their way to accommodate your needs - whether that's tweaking lesson times, sharing extra resources, or giving you a bit more personalized attention when you need it.

After a Few Lessons… Is This Working for You?

After a few lessons, it’s worth taking a step back and checking in with yourself. Is this teacher helping you grow in the way you hoped? Here are a few non-traditional ways to tell if you two are an effective team:

1. Do you feel “mentally lighter” after lessons?

A great teacher should make learning feel stimulating, not draining. If you leave each lesson feeling mentally exhausted that might be a red flag. On the flip side, if you feel energized or inspired - even after a tough session - that’s a good sign.

2. Do they help you notice progress in unexpected ways?

Sometimes we don’t see our own growth. A great teacher will point out small wins you might overlook - like how you nailed a phrase you struggled with before, or that you finally caught that bad habit you were trying to correct.

3. Are you thinking about the lesson outside of class?

If you find yourself reflecting on what you learned, trying out new phrases in your head, or noticing words from your lesson in daily life, that’s a great sign the lessons are engaging and memorable. (Or maybe you’ve developed a little crush on your teacher. In that case you probably need someone else's advice now.)

4. Does the idea of quitting feel like losing something valuable?

If you consider stopping lessons, would you miss them? If your teacher provides something unique - whether it’s motivation, structure, or just enjoyable conversations - that’s a strong indicator they’re a good fit. (Or, again, you know...Maybe ask them out on a date. Worst thing that can happen is they say no.)

Final Thoughts

Finding the right teacher isn’t just about their qualifications - it’s very much about considering your needs, learning style, and commitment. A great teacher can be a game-changer in your language journey, but the best learning happens when you take responsibility for your own progress.

So, go out there, explore, and find the teacher who will help you reach your language goals!