Reflections of a Latina Student-Teacher: Refusing Low Expectations for Latina/o Students

This narrative provides a personal account of the author's student-teaching experience in a primarily Latina/o high school. In an analysis of the journal in which observations were during the experience, the following themes emerged: (a) high expectations before the semester, (b) conflicting messages, (c) teachers' expectations for standard students, (d) low expectations, and (e) students' internalized expectations. Findings highlight the importance of having high expectations for all students. This narrative also provides personal reflections based on the author's experiences as an English language learner and as a student who was subjected to low expectations.