Everyone who wants to learn English starts by looking for a teacher. But how do you know that this teacher is a professional who can actually take you to the language?
1. Not like a schoolteacher
Many people carry a stubborn negative memory of school lessons. When you are small you often lack the motivation to conquer English: the textbooks are old, the groups are overcrowded, and constant tests kill any affection for the language. So adults tend to look for an easy-going, non-strict teacher. It is worth saying that this does not suit everyone: some need the carrot, others need the stick, because self-discipline is exactly what they lack.
2. Age and competence
Some students are comfortable with someone their own age, others look for a more experienced mentor. As a rule, what shapes the quality of the teaching is not age but love for the language, professionalism, and constant self-education.
3. Similar characters
A similar attitude to life, shared interests, a sense of humour, some other trait — for everyone it is something different. Very many students talk about psychological comfort with their teacher.
4. Communication skills
Most people first of all want to break the language barrier and start speaking English freely, without panic. That comes from a teacher who works communicatively: during the lesson you practise every skill and you keep talking all the way through.
5. Good pronunciation
For many people it matters that the teacher has correct pronunciation, clear diction and a pleasant voice.
