This mixed-methods research design, crafted as a phenomenological study, and developed through a lens of critical social theory, was conducted to explore the altruistic expectation level of teacher candidates. Further, the research questions and hypotheses reflect the problem that many well-meaning teacher candidates enter the teaching profession with imbalanced and unrealistic altruistic expectations regarding the pragmatic realities of the teaching profession. The significance of the study is based upon Friedman's model entitled "Teacher's Bi-Polar Professional Self" (TBPS) which suggests that teacher candidates may be categorized as a) those having a strong self-oriented altruism, b) those having a strong other-oriented altruism, and c) those having a propensity to merge ambitions and needs into a balanced altruism. The purposive quantitative sampling consisted of 227 third year teacher candidates enrolled in the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. In addition, three focus groups were convened. Given the "Personal Expectations of Teaching" instrument, variables associated with altruistic expectation had significant results. First, cumulative grade point average range was predictive of ("Facet A") categories, especially in the area of "Abilities and Skills", R[superscript 2] = 0.068, F(1,212) = 15.279, p = 0.00. Second, certification pathway had a significant effect on the scores for ("Facet C") the teacher's perception of the student as individual or group entity, t(178) = 3.657, p = 0.01. Finally, there was no significant effect for the intention to teach in a high needs district and ("Facet B") the teacher's work. Findings will support the efforts of teacher educators who seek ways to strengthen and redefine the altruistic expectations of candidates. Given present and future demographic trends, additional research should focus on how the teacher candidate's gender and ethnic identity inform the balanced development of altruistic motivations in light of biases and essentialist views that depict certain groups as less inherently nurturing or incapable of selfless acts. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]