Assistant Principal Logan Cawley’s path to an education career wasn’t always clear.
“Teaching was not always my plan,” Cawley said. The 2013 graduate of Pennsylvania State University earned a bachelor of science, believing medical school was in his future. “I had a full intent on going to medical school. I did all the things for medical school. I took the MCAT and made sure I was involved on campus in ways that were meaningful,” Cawley said.
Cawley has filled the post vacated by Elizabeth Massey, who assumed the associate principal role vacated by James Dubsky.
Cawley’s plans changed when a friend recommended applying for Teach for America, a program that sends recent college graduates to districts in need around the country. “There are plenty of communities where people are waiting in line to go and teach in those communities, but there’s other communities where they’re just like, ‘Can we get someone to come in and work here?’ ” he said.
Cawley taught at a school in the Bronx in New York City. “While I was teaching at that school, I uncovered a passion for education and a passion for teaching,” he said. “I just found out what I was doing was so fulfilling and rewarding, and so I decided I’m just going to be an educator for the rest of my life.”
During his 13-year teaching career, Cawley taught AP Biology, chemistry and marine science at Hawken School, as well as physics and physical science for Rocky River City Schools. Cawley said that his love for science is what drew him to teach the subject. “I always loved science class. I found how life works to be truly fascinating. I still do. I’m still, like, a huge science nerd,” he said.
Cawley said he knew that he wanted to return to public schools. “I always knew I wanted to get back into working in a public school because that was my lived experience. I’m a firm believer in public education,” he said.
In 2024, he earned a master of education and educational leadership degree from John Carroll University. Cawley said that when the assistant principal position opened up at Shaker, he was excited to apply because he’d had his eye on the district. “Shaker’s been on my radar since I had learned about Shaker Heights and everything the school has to offer,” he said.
Cawley is in charge of communications and daily life at the high school. His goal is to improve arrivals, class transitions and motion around the building. “I try to do my best to hear from everyone as we’re trying to make things more efficient and effective,” he said. Cawley is working to reduce the time students spend waiting in line throughout the day to pass through weapons detection, receive passes, buy lunch and use the microwave. He is also working to increase the efficiency of emergency preparedness.
Sophomore Saya Walters said that she has noticed Cawley around the building. “He seems very high energy when he’s walking around the cafeteria, but he seems very chill when he’s talking to students,” Walters said.
Sophomore Ava Mason said that Cawley “is the GOAT. The way he carries the pens in his pocket is aura,” she said, using the current compliment for stylish, nonchalant confidence.
“I’m a big believer in that when you join a community, you should be really aligned with that community,” Cawley said. He said that when people are aligned with their community, it makes their work more genuine and authentic, and that he is taking every chance to better connect with students, families and staff to achieve that alignment.
He said that Shaker has been “the most special” because of the camaraderie of the students, staff and the community. Said Cawley, “I’m just thrilled to be here.”
A version of this article appears in print on page 8 of Volume 96, Issue 1, published Sept. 26, 2025.
