This paper uses in-depth interview data to explore aspects of the lives of non-native speaking English educators working in the state education system in Sri Lanka. In so doing the research focus is on the educators themselves and the paper will discuss such issues as: careers as English teachers--motives for entering teaching, career progression, becoming a teacher educator; professional self-development; beliefs about teaching, learning and teacher education; and the wider socio-educational context of English teaching in Sri Lanka. It is hoped that the paper will offer insights into the development of non-native speaking TESOL teachers--by making more visible features of practice in particular contexts--as well as providing "snapshots" of teaching and learning in state systems beyond the western world which may inform thinking more broadly about international English language teaching and learning. (Contains 8 notes.)