This episode features Jennifer Gfroerer, Principal of Valley Catholic Middle School in Beaverton, Oregon. In addition to running a great school, she recently led her team to the first Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) certification from AdvancED. This makes them the first school of any type on the NW Peninsula to earn this certification. AdvancED is a non-profit organization that conducts reviews of educational institutions around the world. It is quite an achievement to get a STEM certification.
In our conversation, Jen speaks to how why she thinks STEM education is important, how she went about changing what they do to align with the values of STEM education and how they maintained their high standards while accomplishing these goals.
You can connect with Jennifer via email at jgfroerer@valleycatholic.org or on her school’s website.
Show Notes:
Wish Granted: How Shadowing High School Students Informs Pedagogy By Monica Fuglei
What I Learned By Doing What I Ask Students To Do by Grant Wiggins
Teacher spends two days as a student and is shocked at what she learns By Valerie Strauss
If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on My Face? by Alan Alda
AdvancED STEM Certification Information
Intersection Education 
[…] #36 – Jennifer Gfroerer – Leading STEM Implementation […]
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