[colchar]

That's a superb post up above.

Perhaps in addition to figuring out how to find a teacher, there should also be some discussion of what should be taught or how it should be taught. Should you be shown scales, exercises, techniques, etc.? Should you be taught how to play songs, and by playing them also learn techniques?

Another thing that you should think about is practice, specifically how to practice. I wish I had been taught how to practice properly and/or effectively as my practice routines are still sorely lacking. All the best teaching in the world won't help if you are not practicing in an efficient manner.