Mr. John Odom is a Chamblee High School graduate and is starting his second year teaching here at CHS. In 2024, he started working with Ms. Susan Katz in the Special Education Department (SPED). Then, for the 2025-26 school year, he was promoted to Interrelated Teacher (co-teacher), where he works with students who need extra help in the classroom.
“I’ve learned so much from [my previous] role [as a special education teacher],” said Mr. Odom. “I still have strong connections to my former special education students, and I go visit them when I can.”
As an Interrelated Teacher, Mr. Odom moves around to different classrooms throughout the day.
“I co-teach American Literature with Dr. [James] Demer and Ms. [Brooke] Arrington,” said Mr. Odom. “I love history, liberal arts, and finding what motivates people to do what they do.”
Mr. Odom has also got involved in coaching sports here at CHS.
“I am currently coaching the Junior Varsity boys and girls tennis teams,” said Mr. Odom. “They needed a coach, and I played briefly when I was younger.”
Although he is now a staff member at Chamblee, Mr. Odom’s original plan was not teaching.
“I worked as a cook for 9-10 years,” said Mr. Odom. “I was trying to figure my life out and eventually decided to try teaching. I wanted [to do] something that gave me flexibility and time off, and I [also] enjoy working with kids.”
After graduating from University of Georgia with a double major in History and Journalism, he spent time playing in bands and working in restaurants. Eventually, he started leaning towards academics. He missed the thoughtful conversations and academic environment; he realized he had a natural gift working with students, even the ones who may act out.
“I wasn’t particularly well-behaved in high school myself, but I always loved learning, so I can relate to those students [who misbehave],” said Mr. Odom.
Since arriving at Chamblee, he has been blown away by the supportive environment.
“I’ve met so many great teachers and staff here,” said Mr. Odom. “They have all been incredibly supportive and have helped guide me as a new teacher.”
What Mr. Odom loves most about being a part of Chamblee is the diversity of the student population; he enjoys learning about their different cultures and interests.
“I value getting to learn from my students, just as much as I teach them,” said Mr. Odom. “It would feel strange if all the students I taught looked like me or had similar experiences as me.”
