I don 't know if you're thinking the way I think about getting lessons,but I feel that if(and when) I do get to get lessons,I'll tell the guy(or girl!) to assume I don't know jack(which is pretty much true:D),then we'll move fast when we get to stuff I know... like that.That way,we won't miss any gaps in my musical knowledge(and I know there's quite a few of them).
About finding a teacher,there's a thread that was just about that here a few weeks ago.It was started by one Tom Hess(don't ask me which one).It was pretty long too.Just go to the search thing on at the top of any forum page,and search for "Choosing a teacher".If you search by topic(or yes,starter)I think you'll find it.