Here are some simple questions which some of us here here have found useful when looking
for teachers:

1. Sincerely ask yourself why you believe you need/want a teacher
   in the first place? Do you want the teacher to do something for you?
2. Ask why the teacher wants to teach. Why does she feel the desire/need
   to share/teach/help
   others?
3. Does the teacher give exercises or encourage special procedures such as
   meditation?
   If she does, does she say they will help ‘quiet
   the mind’? If so, why does she feel a ‘quiet mind’ has anything to do
   with awakening?
4. Does the teacher indicate in any way that she alone knows what is best for
   you?
5. Does the teacher believe that ‘enlightenment’
   is something to be attained, and that she can help?
6. Is the teacher aware/fluent in other paths
   or ways of understanding?
7. Does the teacher make ‘enlightenment’ a goal? And if so, what happens
   afterwards?
8. Does the teacher know about real difficulties,
   (not just psychological ones) through her own direct experience?
9. Sincerely ask yourself if part of what you call ’spiritual hunger’ and
   wanting a teacher is simply to avoid/escape/cope with everyday
   living.
10. Why is it that what you are truly seeking seems so elusive?
11. Can the teacher really help you live
    in ease?