Okay, so I've been taking from one piano teacher for pretty much all my life (1st-9th grade), and I've really enjoyed it. However, lately, her health has been failing, and it's starting to look like I'm going to need to find another teacher pretty soon.

I know any teacher I find is probably going to be much harder than my old one, who was really laid-back. All she had me do was scales, chords, and then whatever music I was assigned (and maybe some ear training or theory here or there).

So... since there's some really great pianists here, what would YOU try to look for in a teacher? Is technique important? Should I be doing arpeggios, cadences, etc.? One teacher I've talked to noted that my "technique" needs work; how do I go about improving that? Also, do I need to find a super-hardcore teacher who's going to demand I practice like a madman, or can a somewhat-rational teacher be just as good (since I probably am not majoring in music in college)?

I'm definitely not a "great pianist" but here's my 2 cents anyway.
Technique is always very important. Without it you cannot hope to play songs (especially hard ones) properly. Find yourself a good technique book, and practice with it every day. You'll find yourself improving with time.
Don't get a super-hardcore teacher :P You want to enjoy going to lessons. On the other hand, don't get a teacher who's too soft. You want someone who will push you and challenge you which will ultimately help you becom a better musician. For example, if they see that you haven't been practicing, you don't want someone who screams at you til you cry, you want someone who will tell it to you nicely but firmly. Also someone who actually cares about you, and your music. They should be willing to take extra time if needed if you need more preparation before your exam, things like that.
That's the end of my rant. Hope you find a teacher that's right

my teacher is VERY STRICT she used to make me cry when i was a little kid if i didnt practice. but in return for being strict and demanding, she has many great students.

i have been taking lessons from her for nine years. she actually has a waiting list to take lessons from her. she emphasizes on fingering, techinque, and emotion. whenever you give a performance, she makes you memorize the piece, even during the piano guild when you have to play 10 pieces and the corresponding scales.

some of her students are under the age of 12 and are already playing sonatas and other difficult pieces. she also puts her students in various competitions and the national piano guild after one year of lessons.

i am glad that i have a strict teacher because i dont know if i would have gotten as far if i didnt have a teacher to push me forward.