The Relief Teacher's Podcast by Tradewind Australia

The holidays might be on the horizon, but for teachers, the start of a new school year is looming and it is anything but quiet! This week, we take a look at all the  preparation that goes on before students return  — from setting up classrooms and unpacking resources in primary schools to meeting colleagues and planning curriculum across both primary and secondary settings. It’s a busy,...

This week the panel speaks with author and bullying expert Ian Findlay.  For decades Ian has worked with schools, families, bullies and victims and has vast experience in the field with much to offer.   Ian discusses insights from his books Shared Responsibility: Beating Bullying in Australian Schools and his new release The Power Within: Become Bully-Proof, expl...

This week, we dive into the newly released National Standard on Addressing Bullying in Australian Schools—a major step toward creating consistent, confident responses to bullying nationwide. We have a closer look at ·      What the National Standard is and why it matters ·      How it sets shared expectations for all school...

This week, we visit  Emerson Specialist School  and chat with Campus Principal  Dianne Wright . If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to work in a specialist school — or thought it might not be for you — this episode is a must-listen. Emerson is a remarkable place that breaks down barriers and challenges the myths, giving every student the best possible opportunities to thrive. Tun...

Teacher burnout is real — and it’s on the rise. This week, we take a closer look at the  causes of burnout , share  practical strategies to prevent it , and explore  what to do if it’s already affecting you . Whether you’re a seasoned CRT or new to the classroom, this episode is packed with insights and ideas to help you stay balanced, energised, and thriving in your work. Professio...

Some areas of Melbourne are harder to staff than others, and many CRTs can feel unsure about taking on what seems like a challenging placement. In this episode, we visit  Dallas Brooks Community Primary School  in Melbourne’s north and chat with the two Assistant Principals — and what a revelation it is! If you’ve ever wondered whether working in the north might be for you, this episode...

As Term 4 rolls around, CRT work in secondary schools can dry up — but there’s another way to stay busy (and paid!). In this episode, we chat with a  VCE exam supervisor  to uncover what the role involves, how to get started, and what to expect on the job. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like behind the scenes during exam season, this episode has all you need to know!  And le...

Managing challenging student behaviour can be one of the toughest parts of relief teaching — especially when students come with a mix of diagnosed and undiagnosed needs. In this episode, we unpack  practical strategies  to help you stay calm, confident, and in control. From understanding the underlying causes of behaviour to using proactive routines and simple relationship-building techn...

In the last of our three-part look at the challenges facing we note it is not all doom and gloom. There are solutions; what might these be? Join the Relief Teacher podcast as we discus fresh ideas, proven strategies and bold reforms that might make schools sustainable, supportive and inspiring places to work and learn again. Professional Development Opportunity Professional learning may inclu...

Each week we unpack the bigger picture and in this second of a three-part series on the challenges facing schools, we look at how policy decisions, funding gaps, shifting student needs, and system pressures combined to create today’s challenges. When and how did working in schools become so challenging? Professional Development Opportunity Professional learning may include: •seminars, confere...

Schools across Victoria and Australia are grappling with some of the toughest conditions in decades: teacher shortages and retention battles, falling attendance, student wellbeing concerns, behaviour management struggles, and a curriculum that feels overloaded. This podcast takes a practical look at what’s really happening on the ground. Professional Development Opportunity Professional learning m...

This week we continue our series exploring non-mainstream schools where relief teachers can find rewarding opportunities. In our first episode, we visited Jacana School for Autism. In the second, we explored the Hester Hornbrook Academy. And now, in the third, we step inside Yesodei HaTorah, an Orthodox Jewish secondary campus. We’ll hear what makes this learning environment unique, the values and...

During some periods of the year relief teacher work is scarce so at times it may be useful to look at school settings outside the norm.  This week on the relief teacher podcats we explore the wide range of opportunities beyond the government system. From independent and faith-based schools to alternative education settings, we’ll unpack what’s on offer, how to get your foot in the d...

With 2026 on the horizon and schools already advertising a wave of positions, many CRTs are asking: Is now the time to move into a school-based role?  In this episode, our panel unpacks the key factors to consider before making the shift — from workload and wellbeing to leadership support, school culture, career progression, and the balance between stability and flexibility. If you’ve been th...

Relief teaching can be unpredictable - one day you’re in a calm and cooperative classroom, the next you’re managing high stress, tricky behaviours, and challenging incidents. This week, we’re talking about how to protect your own wellbeing when classrooms get tough, when incidents arise out of nowhere and you are left to manage, not just the circumstances but your own wellbeing. From quick re...

Not all relief teachers leave a good impression - and schools notice. In this episode, we explore the habits and behaviours that make principals and staff quietly decide never to call some teachers back. From disengagement in the classroom to ignoring school culture, we’ll unpack the “don’ts” every relief teacher should avoid if they want to be respected, remembered, and rebooked. Why reliability...

In this episode, we explore what happens when a Casual Relief Teacher (CRT) is asked to step into a permanent role.  Should you say yes?  What questions should you ask first?  Join us as we unpack the key considerations - from workload and pay to team culture, long-term expectations, and how the shift might impact your lifestyle and wellbeing. Whether you’re flattered, flustered, or...

As a CRT, you never know what your day might throw at you — a playground incident, a lockdown drill, a missing student, or a furious parent at the door. How do you respond calmly, professionally, and confidently when you're not even sure where the staffroom is? In this episode, our panel of experienced teachers role-play real-life school incidents and unpack the thinking behind quick, clear decisi...

Ever wondered why your class changed at the last minute? Or why that Year 2 class is now mixed with Year 1s? In this episode we pull back the curtain on the behind-the-scenes decisions that shape your day as a Casual Relief Teacher. From how schools are funded, to the reasons for split classes, timetable shifts, and why no two schools run the same way—we break it all down. If you've ever asked “Wh...

In this episode, we explore the power and importance of forming relationships in schools when you are working as a CRT. From classroom teachers and support staff to parents and the wider community, strong connections create the foundation for student success and your own wellbeing. Join us as we unpack the reasons why building these relationships isn’t just nice - it’s necessary - and how they can...

Relief teaching offers a unique window into the culture, values, and vibe of different schools -but how can you use that insight to find a place you'd love work at more permanently? If you are looking for longer term employment but aren’t sure how to determine if a school is right for you, this episode is a must listen. We explore practical tips for assessing schools while on the job, helping reli...

In this episode, we dive into one of the greatest strengths of relief teachers: flexibility. From last-minute schedule changes to walking into unfamiliar classrooms, adaptability is key to thriving in this dynamic role. Join us as we explore how flexibility shapes the relief teaching experience—and why it's more than just going with the flow. Professional Development Opportunity Professional learn...

In this week’s podcast we are focusing on survival! CRT work can be exhausting so how do you survive a busy term without running out of steam? From saying "no" without guilt to finding little rewards along the way, we’ve got practical tips and a few laughs to help you stay cool, calm, and well, more or less energised. Tune in and treat yourself to some well-earned teacher RESPECT! Professional Dev...

Ever feel like you need an interpreter just to understand what's going on in the world of education? Join us this week as we work out "What's It All Mean?" The panel will bravely and joyfully unravel the mysteries of educational abbreviations and acronyms. From NAPLAN to VCE, and everything in between, we'll help you decipher the alphabet soup of academia. You might even learn something! So tune i...

In this episode, we explore why casual relief teachers must never ignore incidents or OHS issues in schools. Beyond teaching, relief teachers play a vital role in spotting hazards, reporting risks, and ensuring a safe environment for students and staff. Tune in to learn how their vigilance helps protect everyone and supports a culture of safety in schools. Professional Development Opportunity Prof...