Welcome!

            Hi fellow teachers!  My name is Zach Petonak and I am the lead writer/ blogger here at The Classroom Trading Post.  I am a teacher of students with disabilities in New Jersey.  Although I have a short tenure, only three years experience, I have much experience with elementary education and special education students.  Not only do I read countless number of teaching books and have an extensive pedagogy research, but I am the only male I know who uses Pinterest specifically for the purpose of classroom ideas and staying current on all things education and teaching.  Before teaching, I worked as a paraprofessional, teacher assistant and substitute.  In this time, I have developed many relations with teachers, administrators and parents who are more than welcome to share their two cents in the Trading Post.
          
            I started The Classroom Trading Post for a few reasons.  First, I wanted to offer a spot where professionals could gather and share their opinions.  Second, in my exploration and pedagogy research, I have come across countless ideas from numerous people that would benefit so many educators.  I want to compile those great ideas in one spot.  My third reason and most important is that I want this blog to be a useful resource to beginning and novice educators.  As I said, I have a few years in the classroom under my belt.  There is no explaining the feeling a first year teacher has (somewhere between anxiety, excitement, fear and elation) but I was bitten by the teaching bug and I experienced that feeling and although the element of fear has gone away, a little reassurance to every teacher, not just first year teachers, helps out! J

            The Classroom Trading Post will host a blog that will be updated regularly.  Posts will include everything from the latest on learning disabilities to classroom management tips and tricks to book reviews and everything in between that is relating to our passion!
          
            Visitors to the Trading Post have the option to leave feedback on specific posts.  Please voice your opinion!  I also welcome guest contributions in writing.  If you would like to share your expertise or experience with your coleuses and fellow teachers, please email the trading post with your article or critique!
          

            Enjoy your visit to the Classroom Trading Post!