Journey to becoming an English teacher

This collective case study investigates the professional trajectories of three Vietnamese English teachers, focusing specifically on their reasons for entering and staying in the teaching career despite facing difficulties. Data were collected through three main research instruments (i.e., questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and photo-based interviews) and analyzed thematically. The findings indicate that teachers were motivated to join and remain in the profession for diverse reasons; however, the most prominent motivations are both active and material. This study offers valuable insights to teacher educators, as it provides practical recommendations for necessary changes to inspire potential teacher students to pursue teaching careers. • Diverse reasons for entering the teaching profession were identified. • A love for teaching was a common yet nuanced motivation. • Teacher programs should integrate teachers' motivation for better support.