The Relief Teacher's Podcast by Tradewind Australia

As the term winds down, many CRTs find themselves running on empty - physically, mentally, and emotionally. In this episode, we turn the focus inward, exploring how relief teachers can take stock of their own wellbeing after a demanding stretch in the classroom. We reflect on what’s been working, what’s taken its toll, and how to properly reset during the break. With Term 3 looming as the busiest...

Student wellbeing situations can arise unexpectedly, and CRTs are often required to respond quickly, professionally and appropriately in challenging circumstances. In this episode, we explore common welfare scenarios relief teachers may encounter in schools — including student disclosures, wellbeing concerns, conflict situations, emotional distress and mandatory reporting responsibilities. We also...

Relief teachers are often asked to step into excursions with little notice—but the expectations and risks don’t change just because you’re a CRT. In this episode, we unpack what it really means to supervise students beyond the classroom: from understanding duty of care and clarifying roles, to anticipating behaviour challenges in less structured environments. We explore practical strategies to sta...

Technology and social media play a major role in the lives of young people, and schools are increasingly navigating the challenges that come with digital communication, online behaviour and student wellbeing. In this episode, we explore the growing discussion around digital device and social media bans in schools, including the impact technology can have on learning, behaviour, student engagement...

Travancore School is a unique Department of Education setting that many teachers have heard of but may not fully understand. In this episode, Sue and Helen speak with Claire Greve, an experienced teacher at Travancore, about the vital work the school does to support students experiencing mental health challenges to remain connected with their education. Claire shares insights into Travancore’s pro...

Growth corridor schools are some of the fastest-growing and most demanding environments CRTs will encounter. In this episode, we explore what it’s like working in new and rapidly expanding schools - from changing enrolments and developing systems to staffing pressures and strong reliance on relief teachers. We also discuss why these schools can be challenging, why they often need CRTs, and how rel...

Regional schools offer opportunities that many CRTs overlook: stronger relationships, a real sense of belonging, and often greater professional trust and autonomy. In this episode, we speak with the principal of a regional school to unpack what relief teachers will notice that’s different from metro settings – from school culture and community expectations to behaviour, resources, travel, and work...

Good classroom management is the foundation of every successful relief lesson. In this episode, we focus on the essentials — getting classes off to a strong start, establishing routines quickly, delivering clear and structured lessons, and preventing problems before they arise. Practical and realistic, this conversation is all about the small moves that help CRTs create calm, purposeful classrooms...

Relief teachers play an important role in keeping students safe, but working across different schools can make it hard to stay on top of expectations. In this episode, we explore what CRTs need to know about Child Safe Standards in Victorian schools — including your responsibilities, what to look out for, and what to report. A practical guide to help you work confidently, meet your obligations, an...

This week on  The Relief Teacher Podcast , we focus on what it’s really like  returning to the classroom after a long break from teaching . Many CRTs are surprised by just how much has changed in Victorian schools — from behaviour expectations and wellbeing frameworks to technology, compliance requirements, and classroom practice. In this episode, we unpack the key shifts returning teach...

Getting regular work as a CRT is not about luck—it’s about alignment. In this episode, we break down what schools are really looking for when they choose who to book (and who they quietly avoid). From professionalism and classroom presence to communication, flexibility and reputation, we unpack the small behaviours that make a big difference. If you want to move from “available” to in-demand, this...

This week on The Relief Teacher Podcast, we tackle one of the most important — and challenging — skills for any CRT: de-escalating difficult situations in schools. From managing heightened student behaviour, to navigating tricky conversations with staff, and responding calmly and professionally to concerned or confronting parents, this episode breaks down practical, real-world strategies that reli...

This week we continue our exploration of what it means to work in schools after traumatic events — but this time, we go deeper. We’re joined by two remarkable educators: a former Principal and a former Welfare Coordinator who lived through one of Victoria’s most devastating chapters — the Black Saturday bushfires. Both played central roles in supporting their school community in the aftermath, gui...

This week we’re exploring one of the most challenging situations a relief teacher can face: stepping into a school community in the midst of trauma. From serious accidents to natural disasters, or even the loss of a community member, schools sometimes experience events that shake everyone — students, staff, and families alike. And in these moments, CRTs are often called in to support classrooms, m...

This week we’re diving into one of the most quietly stressful parts of relief teaching: navigating school technology. From Compass to Google Classroom, from iPads to interactive whiteboards, every Victorian school seems to have its own unique digital ecosystem — and as a CRT, you’re expected to walk in and just know how it all works. Add in mismatched devices, login issues, expired passwords, and...

This week on the Relief Teacher Podcast, we’re tackling one of the biggest hurdles in a relief teacher’s career: moving from provisional to full VIT registration. It’s a mandatory step for every Victorian teacher — but for CRTs, the process can feel overwhelmingly complex. Limited continuity, fewer opportunities to gather evidence, and the constant juggle of short-term placements leave many wonder...

For most relief teachers, the DO is your very first point of contact, the person who decides where you’re needed, how your day will run, and sometimes even whether you get the call in the first place. Building a strong relationship with a Daily Organiser isn’t just helpful — it’s essential for thriving as a CRT. But what exactly does a Daily Organiser do all day? How do they juggle the chaos, the...

Delivering lessons as a CRT can feel daunting—especially when you’re teaching outside your subject area or walking into an unfamiliar school. In this episode, we focus on how to successfully run lessons and manage classrooms across a wide range of settings. We talk through practical strategies for engaging students, establishing expectations quickly, handling low-level disruption, and keeping lear...

Whether you’re new to CRT work or looking to sharpen your approach, this episode focuses on practical, realistic ways to start the year strong. We talk through the importance of punctuality, how to quickly work out what really matters in a new classroom, what to ask and who to ask, and how to show initiative without overstepping. We also share the small but powerful resources that experienced CRTs...

Relief teaching often gets framed as the lesser of two options, but that is simply not the case and this week, we flip that narrative. Whether you’re an experienced teacher returning to the classroom, a new graduate finding your feet, or an overseas teacher on a working holiday, being a CRT can offer flexibility, variety, fast skill-building and genuine career momentum. We unpack the real advantag...

In this episode, we speak with Bianca Baron, Tradewind’s National Early Years Manager, about the wide range of opportunities for teachers and educators across early years, kindergartens and OSH care. Bianca also highlights Tradewind’s strong focus on child safety and the growing incentives and career pathways available in regional settings. For anyone interested in the early years sector, this is...

In this episode, we take a behind-the-scenes look at Tradewind with senior consultant Brad Flowers, who supports teachers and education support staff working across alternative education settings. Brad highlights the wide range of opportunities available in specialist schools, special development schools and special assistance schools for disengaged students. If you’re considering expanding your w...

In this episode we take a behind the scenes look at Tradewind and speak to Clare Wilson, senior consultant for Melbourne’s Western Region. Clare speaks about her role as both a consultant working in schools, working to support CRTs and most importantly about how CRTs can maximise their opportunities in 2026. Clare is a former classroom teacher and brings a wealth of experience to the role. Looking...

In the first of the summer sessions of the Relief Teacher Podcast we speak we turn the mic toward our own producer, Taylor Roche. Taylor shares how he came to Tradewind, what he loves about producing the podcast, and why our outside broadcasts—especially those in alternative settings—are a highlight of his work. He also gives a glimpse into what really makes a podcast successful: genuine passion....

In this end-of-year episode, we wrap up the major issues that shaped schools in 2025—from staffing pressures and shifting curriculum priorities to explicit teaching and the growing role of digital literacy. Our panel reflects on what these changes meant for Casual Relief Teachers and how the profession adapted. We also look ahead to 2026: how will the social media ban play out, what will the new E...