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TIM ODELL

Former Teacher

On the journey back to Vietnam looking for his biological family, Tim met his wife and decided to stay. With his passion for teaching, so he plans to live her indefinitely. Tim has been a member of E2 for more than 5 years.

Share your background: Where did you grow up? Where did you go to university and what did you study?

Born in VN > adopted > grew up in the Midwest (US). I went to Iowa State University with a major in Finance but started off my studies in education.

What is your favorite and least favorite Vietnamese food?

I like everything…but coffee, does that count as a food?

What brought you to Vietnam / back to Vietnam?

I wanted to find my biological family > I did. Met my wife during my visit. The paperwork for her to come to the states was too time- consuming, so I decided to move here. I am following my passion for teaching, so we plan to live here indefinitely.

What made you decide to be a teacher?

Always wanted to be a teacher > believe that the best way to change Vietnam is through education. Also, my kids will be coming up through this system.

What was the biggest factor that made you choose E2?

The staff and our vision of change.

Can you describe E2’s working environment in 3 words?

Commutative, Innovative, Fun.

What is the most helpful thing you’ve learned at E2?

Fail fast and fail hard > get back up and make a change > change doesn’t just happen, it takes work.

What is your most memorable teaching moment at E2?

It’s not really a moment, rather a collection of time. It’s the greatest feeling when students see their own growth and change their mindset from impossible to possible. This has been especially true with my Climber B class in D7. I’ve been with them since I joined E2.

What is your most memorable NON-teaching moment at E2? PG version, please.

Every opportunity I have to meet with other staff members in our one-on-one. I truly value their time and learning more about them.

What are you most looking forward to or optimistic about when it comes to your own future at E2 or E2’s future in general?

I’m excited to see us grow. I still believe we can reach out to the ESL and other lower market.

Bonus Question: If you had to be stuck on a desert island with 1 member of E2 staff (teaching or operations team) who would it be? Why?

I wouldn’t wish this on anyone. I guess if it came down to it, I would choose Tony since he is a doer.

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