The Parable of Yeast: a paradigm for Catholic School Leaders

This dissertation is a study of how Catholic school leaders can be agents of change. It uses the parable of yeast as a paradigm for leadership, suggesting that leaders need to be like yeast, a dynamic agency which transforms matter into a symbol of the kingdom of God. In the literature review, I will explore the principles of servant leadership using sources from the world of education, business, politics and Church and Scriptural teaching. I will examine different ideas of school effectiveness, coaching and the nature of inclusion. I will then explain how I intend to test out these theories using different research methods in my case-study of Saint Gregory’s High School. Finally, I will conclude my dissertation with an analysis of the data from the different research activities and recommendations about how Catholic school leaders can continue to serve its community in closer alignment to the teachings of Jesus Christ and the new model for Church proposed by the Vatican II council.