(503) 701-5548 • Aloha, Oregon 97007
Email available upon request
May 2021
University of Portland, Portland, OR
Concentration: Learning and Leading, Neuroeducation
May 2012
Archdiocese of Portland, Portland, OR
May 1998
Lewis and Clark College, Portland, OR
Concentration: Liberal Studies, Curriculum Development
May 1991
College of Notre Dame, Belmont, CA
Major: Liberal Studies, Multiple Subjects/Elementary Education
1998 – Present (Dean prior to 2011)
Valley Catholic Middle School, Beaverton, OR
1995 – 1998
St. Clare School, Portland, OR
2022 - Present
University of Portland, Portland, OR
M.Ed. program | ED 550: Professional Growth and Development
1998 – Present
Valley Catholic School, Beaverton, OR
1995 – 1998
St. Clare School, Portland, OR
1992 – 1995
St. Catherine Middle School, Morgan Hill, CA
January 2018 – Present
Contributing to statewide strategic direction on accreditation, school improvement, and professional learning for Cognia-affiliated institutions.
December 2023 – Present
Collaborating with ODE to support equitable services for private schools under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
November 2023 – Present
Advocating for policy and legislative support of Oregon’s private and independent schools.
August 2024 – Present
Advising on student-centered innovation initiatives and autonomy-driven instructional design.
Steps to get there: Blending AdvancED within the school community.
Presented at the Cognia 2020 Think Future: STEM Institute, Beaverton, OR.
Neuroscience and the implications in the classroom (Peer-reviewed presentation).
Presented at the Critical Questions in Education (CQiE) Annual Conference, Seattle, WA.
Simultaneously support learning, inclusivity, and holistic assessment with the neuroeducation model.
Presented at the Oregon Association of Teacher Educators (ORATE) 23rd Annual Conference, Portland, OR.
Catholic Education Centers as Third-Party Support for Catholic Principals.
Doctoral Dissertation, University of Portland.
Innovative Approaches to Education in the 21st Century: Analyzing Brain Science to Understand Student Learning Theory.
Curriculum in Context, 45(2), 12–18.
Correlational Analysis of Interim Assessments for the Multnomah County Partnership for Education Research Consortium.
Leading STEM Implementation.
Featured on Intersection Education Podcast. Listen here
Impact of Catholic Education.
Invited speaker for Archdiocesan School boards and parent groups.
In 1989, Valley Catholic High School formally restructured to establish two distinct educational programs: a middle school (Grades 7–8) and a high school (Grades 9–12). To support the unique developmental and academic needs of middle school students, a Dean of Middle School was appointed to serve as the program’s instructional and administrative leader. The Dean worked collaboratively with, and under the supervision of, the high school principal to ensure alignment and continuity across both programs.
As enrollment and programming continued to grow, the need for a dedicated space became clear. In 2011, a new, purpose-built facility opened to house Valley Catholic Middle School, now serving students in Grades 6–8. This expansion allowed the school to offer a comprehensive, developmentally appropriate middle school experience within its own learning environment.
Today, Valley Catholic Middle School operates as a fully accredited, stand-alone institution under the Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC). The school serves approximately 300 students with a dedicated staff of over 30 educators and support professionals, committed to fostering academic excellence, character development, and community engagement.
Dr. Jennifer Gfroerer served as Dean of Valley Catholic Middle School from the fall of 1998 until the fall of 2011. With the opening of the newly established, independent middle school that year, she transitioned into the role of Principal of Valley Catholic Middle School, providing leadership during this pivotal moment in the school’s development.
Title: Dean of the Middle School
The Dean of the Middle School is accountable to the SSMO Campus Schools President and to the Valley Catholic School Principal.
The Dean of the Middle School has jurisdiction over seventh and eighth-grade students, programs, and middle-school staff members.
The Dean of the Middle school is responsible for maintaining and improving the quality of the instructional program in the middle school. The Dean of the Middle School provides leadership, direction, coordination, and support for the students and staff that serve the school. The Dean of the Middle School sees that the needs of each student are known and addressed.
The Dean of the Middle School will: