Ask a music teacher at your local public school if he knows of any cello instructors in your area. Music teachers often have a network of fellow musicians in the area who take on private students either as a sole profession or as part of their professional music careers. The teacher may also give lessons himself. You can also contact the music department at nearby colleges. Ask who teaches the cello or stringed instruments at the school, and see if you can sign up for private lessons without enrolling as a student at the college.
Contact a local musicians union or professional organization to see if any members offer cello lessons. The American String Teachers Association or Music Teachers National Association may have members in your area.
Post an ad on a bulletin board at the local music store or ask an employee or the store manager if he knows anyone in your area who teaches the cello. Some music stores rent out practice rooms for teachers who do not want to give lessons in their homes.
Check the want ads of your local newspaper to see if anyone is advertising cello lessons. You can also post an ad yourself seeking an instructor. It is a good idea to state whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced player. Your newspaper also may have an online edition that includes help wanted ads, if you do not subscribe to the print edition of the paper.