Mr. Paul Cowan, Interim Principal

Mr. Paul Cowan joined East Academy in 2020 with over eight years of experience as a K-8 educator and school leader in Ohio, South Carolina, and Texas. Prior to joining ACCEL Schools as Resident Principal, he worked for United Schools Network as the Associate Dean of Scholar Life. His previous experience also includes IDEA Public Schools in Texas where he held many leadership positions and completed a yearlong coaching academy program working alongside top-performing principals in the network. Mr. Cowan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Kent State University as well as a Master’s degree in Higher Educational Administration from Capella University.

Natalee Long, Senior Vice President of ACCEL Schools

Natalee Long joined ACCEL Schools in 2015 with over 15 years of classroom teaching and K-12 school leadership experience. As Senior Vice President of Operations at ACCEL Schools, Ms. Long leads a team of Regional Vice Presidents that oversees leadership development, instructional programming, operations, and strategic planning for over 45 public charter schools. Ms. Long is a licensed Ohio School Superintendent. She earned a M. Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Lee University, a M. Ed. in Educational Administration from The Ohio State University and will complete a Doctorate in Education in 2020 from The Ohio State University.