The University of Notre Dame

Mission-Driven But Data-Informed: Applications of Change Theory in

Schools

CATHOLIC CHANGE THEORY:

Why and How the Paschal Mystery Matters in Catholic Schools

WELCOME

• Gratitude for your service & witness• Gift of time in summer• Beauty of the school calendar

Catholic Education

Inner Life

• Often neglected• worldly success tied to extroversion• Love of drama-thrill of the hunt

Easter Proclamation

• Central to the faith• St. Paul says “Our faith is in vain if Christ be

not raised” (I Corinthians 15:14)• Social norms emphasize Christmas• Easter has priority

Paschal Mystery

Then Death & Resurrection; Easter

Now All our little deaths & resurrections

School Order of lifeLeaders Preparation for

the ultimate letting go

Dying and Rising

PARKER PALMER

The Courage To Teach:

Exploring the Inner Landscape of a Teacher’s Life

Shadows

• Insecurity about our own identity & worth• Universe is essentially hostile• Functional Atheism• Fear• Denial of Death

Insecurity

• Reliance on externals• Departmental jealousy• Overstated policies• Occasional verbal sparring• Unnuanced increase in academic difficulty• Repetitive drill & practice after loss or

failure

Universe is essentially hostile

• Assume worst of students, parents, teachers, administrators, politicians, etc.

• The Disney Studies & Expectation Effects

• School discipline policies, suspensions, & the principal’s office

Functional Atheism

• Everything really & ultimately depends on me & the quality of my performance

• Richard Rohr on overworking

• Ted Hesburgh on Pope John XXIII

Fear

• Most commonly self-reported emotion in schools

• Organization (preparation) as key to happiness & road to salvation

Denial of Death

• Need to let go of structures, ideas, behaviors, that no long work.

Shadows

• Insecurity about our own identity & worth• Universe is essentially hostile• Functional Atheism• Fear• Denial of Death

Reflection Questions

• How do the five shadows play out in your work & life?

• Which one is most prominent? Least present?

• Name one thing at school that needs to die so that something new can rise.

Saint of the Day-John the Baptist-