Letter of Interest_Erik HondaCity Council
I wish to express my interest in filling the open position on the city council. As a
member of the city council I would bring a unique world view to the council. There are
three main important qualities I can offer the city of Dubuque; the first being a mixed -
race child, I was raised in more than one culture within a large city environment.
Second, I am currently working at Prescott Elementary in downtown Dubuque, this has
exposed me to the unique cultural change going on in Dubuque right now. And last, as
a new parent at the start of my career I believe that I could represent the youth of
Dubuque.
I was born in Federal Way, Washington to a Japanese American father and a
white mother. As a child, my family made it a point to show us both cultures and teach
us how important it is to be able to understand and respect others cultural
backgrounds.
After graduating from the University of Dubuque, I took a special education
position at Prescott Elementary School. In the 4 years I have been teaching their, I have
worked hand -in -hand with many of our least underprivileged families. This experience
has opened my eyes to world and has shown me what is truly important today.
And last, as a young professional working and raising a family in Dubuque many
issues I am facing are relevant to some of the old members of the community. I feel
very strongly that someone in my age group needs to be on city council to share the
opinion of our young people.
I would like to thank you for giving me this opportunity to give back to the
community that has accepted me with open arms. Thank you and god bless.
Erik Honda
Attached is a copy of my Resume
0
o
C
CT 0
CD
Job
CD
m
0
m
rn
Erik Junso Honda
275 S. Hill St. Dubuque, Iowa 52003 (563) 581 -4837 - erikjhonda @yahoo.com
Professional Experience
Pre K — 5 111 Grade Special Education Teacher for the Behavior Program, August 2007 - Present
Prescott Elementary School, Dubuque Community School District
- Design, write, implement, and facilitate Individual Education Plans and Behavior
Intervention Plans for student with moderate and server behavioral disorders.
- Design and facilitate self contained academic programs for special education students.
- Managing students when they are both physically and emotional out -of- control.
- Collaborated with fellow teachers to provide a safe learning environment.
- Co- taught general education curriculum within a general education classroom making
accommodations for both behavior and academic entitled special education students.
- Member of district training team: Crisis Prevention Institute(CPI), with over 45 hours of
professional training.
- Member of the 2008 district interview committee for reaccreditation. Meet with state official
to review how the school district special education department is meeting the needs of the
students and meeting the goals outlined by the state.
6"' Grade Self - Contained Special Education Behavior Teacher, January 2007 — June 2007
Washington Middle School, Clinton Community School District
- Designed and taught individual curriculum to server behavior disorder students within
- Collaborated with other professionals to provide structured learning supports, while in their
classroom.
Leadership Experience:
Member of school district CPI training team, Member of student government at the
University of Dubuque, Co- captain of wrestling team at University of Dubuque
Education
Master of Arts Teaching, Instructional Strategist 2 Learning Disability / Behavioral Disorders,
Morningside College, 2010
- Endorsements earned: K -12 Grade Instructional Strategist 2 LD /BD
Bachelors of Sciences, Elementary Education, University of Dubuque , 2006.
- Endorsements earned: K- 6''' Grade General Education Teacher, K -8' Grade Instructional
Strategist 1 mild /moderate disabilities, K — 6 Grade Reading, and K -12 Athletic Coaching.
High School Diploma, Decatur High School (Federal Way, Washington), 2002.