What to look for:
1) A university degree. A university degree doesn't guarantee a great teacher, but it does prove that a person has a high understanding of academic language and writing. A teacher that hasn't had these experiences won't be able to provide you with the guidance you need, especially if you're preparing for the TOEFL.
2) A TEFL/TESOL certificate. Even if teacher has a teaching degree, a TEFL or TESOL certificate ensures that they've had at least some training in teaching English as a foreign language. This can be very different from general education, so it's important to know that your teacher has completed a certificate program.
3) Experience. I hate to perpetuate the ''No work with no experience, no experience without any work'' cycle, but I have to say that a brand new teacher is not going to be the best teacher. As with any job, experience is a great teacher, and most new teachers don't really get a feel for what they're doing until they have at least a few months of experience. Unfortunately, many native speakers think that because they speak English, they can teach it. Getting a teacher with more experience usually means you'll get a teacher that has spent more time examining their own language, and this means they'll have a better understanding of it to pass on to you.
4) An appropriate price. If a teacher is charging only 8.000 per class, there's something suspicious about that. The old saying ''You get what you pay for'' is true in this case. If a teacher has experience and respects their work, they are likely going to charge at least 10.000 pesos per class. Some teachers charge even more. You have to decide what's right for you and your budget, but beware cheap classes. They're probably being offered by unqualified teachers.
What to avoid:
1) Backpackers. If your teacher is just looking for a few weeks of work before they move on to their next destination, you aren't going to get very much out of those classes. You need a teacher that you'll be with for at least a few months, if not longer. This allows you to adapt your teaching and learning styles to each other. If your English goals are serious ones, you don't want to build your plan to achieve them with someone who won't be around next month.
2) Suspiciously cheap classes. If a class seems very cheap to you, look into the teacher's qualifications. If you're still interested, ask for a reference. English classes don't have to be really expensive, but if they're really cheap, it gives off the impression that the person doesn't value their own work. Look for a price of 10.000 or more per class-- this is the average market price for an hour of English with a private teacher.
3) A Part-time teacher. If a teacher is teaching English in their free time but has a different job during the day, they may not be the best option for you. Many people see teaching English as an easy way to make quick money on the side. You want a teacher that sees teaching English as an attractive career, that's dedicated to his or her students' success. Is a daytime accountant and an evening English teacher your best option? Probably not.
Always go with your instincts when choosing someone to be your English teacher. Understand the prices and payment options before you go to your first class. Tell them your goals and see if they are able to make a plan for you to help you achieve those goals. Above all, if you are unhappy with your English teacher, find a new one. In Santiago, there are hundreds (maybe thousands?) of English teachers. If you look online and ask your network, you're sure to find someone that's a good fit for you! Happy searching!
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