The impact of mass media on public images of teachers and students is considered in a dialogue between two educational and mass media researchers. Stereotypes in films, such as teacher-savior and student-failure, and abundant reports about Latino dropout rates and low academic achievement impact teachers and the public, who accept negative images…

Messages conveyed by news reports and stereotypical media representations continue to misinform mainstream audiences, including teachers, about the cultural context and characteristics of Latinos. Teacher education programs must provide meaningful field experiences. More community involvement during field placements, collaborations between…