The Relief Teacher's Podcast by Tradewind Australia

With more and more secondary students choosing alternative settings as opposed to mainstream schools, this week’s podcast visits one such school, the Hester Hornbrook Academy, right in the heart of Melbourne. We meet with the school principal to discuss innovative approaches, hear from dedicated educators, and gain practical insights into supporting students in specialized environments. Join us to...

Whether you're a seasoned relief teacher or stepping into the classroom for the first time, one of the biggest challenges is managing student behaviour — especially when you don’t know the group well. In this episode, we dive into the art (and science) of behaviour management from the perspective of a relief teacher. When is the right time to step in? When should you pause and allow space for stud...

It is not unusual for teachers working in schools to have significant contact with parents. This is particularly the case if you are working in a primary setting. But for CRTs, dealing with parents can be initially quite confronting. How do you develop a sound and productive relationship with a parent? How do you discuss student learning in a professional and constructive manne...

One of the greatest sources of frustration for CRTs is managing technology in the various schools. You may be a tech-wizard but no matter how advanced your tech skills, there is something about the various platforms and school ICT programs that will be confounding. It may be as simple as uncharged iPads, or incorrect passwords, but somewhere you will be the victim of a tech stuff-up. Thi...

It is not unusual for CRTs to encounter significant behavioural challenges in schools. And at times it seems that some student behaviours push the boundaries too far. In these circumstances what options do school have? We often here the terms ‘suspension’ and ‘expulsion’ discussed. But how are these consequences managed in schools, and what are the complexities that surround these decisions? Join...

The VTLM 2.0, an updated educational framework for Victorian government schools, focuses on evidence-based teaching practices based on cognitive science, neuroscience, and educational psychology. It simplifies the previous model into two main sets of elements: four elements of learning (attention, knowledge and memory, retention and recall, and mastery and application) and four elements of teachin...

Working as a CRT is often challenging and this can be exacerbated when you have students in classrooms with specific learning and behavioural needs. How do you best manage students who present with for example, autism, ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder, or anxiety and depression? What strategies can you employ to engage and include these students while managing a class you don’t know well?&...

It is not unusual for a CRT to work alongside one or a number of Education Support Staff in classrooms. Understanding the role of an ES, and being able to quickly establish rapport can make a huge difference to your day, and consequently make a huge difference to how well you manage the student(s) in their care. In this week’s episode the panel discuss the roles and responsibilities of E...

Relief teaching can be hard work and from time to time we all have difficult days. Sometimes unfortunately, and unwittingly, CRTS can find themselves in tricky situations where potentially controversial topics arise. What do you do in these circumstances? How do you protect the welfare of all students in your care and indeed protect yourself from becoming embroiled in a matter you m...

Many relief teachers are hesitant to work in specialist settings, not due to a lack of interest or care, but often because they are uncertain about the specific requirements. However, teachers who do work in these environments frequently return, finding the experience incredibly rewarding. In this episode, the podcast team visits Jacana School for Autism and interviews a leading teacher with the g...

In 2025 every Victorian Government school, and all Catholic schools, will teach synthetic phonics in the lower grades as part of their literacy programs. This approach to literacy is likely to be a significant change for many schools and as a CRT you will be expected to be on board with these changes from the very start of the year. If you have no or limited experience with synthetic phonics this...

In an ideal world every CRT would arrive early at a school to find the timetable, lessons, resources and behaviour management plans all perfectly laid out, easily accessed and students ready to learn. The IT would work seamlessly and yard duty would be short, the day fine and agreeable. But as we all know…that is unlikely. So you need to be prepared. What do you do if there are no lessons, the IT...

When it comes to working in schools is there anything more challenging, exhausting and hopefully enjoyable than your first year of teaching? So much to do, so little time. And it is so easy to be overwhelmed, to find yourself consumed by tasks you might well have let go, while not attending to those tasks that make all the difference. If you are in your first year of teaching, indeed if you are in...

What is it really like working as a CRT? What really matters? What are the challenges and the pitfalls? What about the positives and the rewards? This week our panel interview three practising CRTs asking them to reflect on their experiences and highlight the highs and lows, the humour, and the trials and rewards. Down to earth, real-life experiences. A podcast not to be missed. Professional Devel...

Like all teaching, whether you are working full-time or just a day a week, the success is all in the planning. With CRTs coming across so many different environments, so many different schools, colleagues and students, it is imperative you are super-organised. And one way to do that is to put together your own checklist. A checklist will save you time, keep you on track and hopefully help you avoi...

In this 5-minute episode, we meet Sue Muir, an experienced educator and panellist on the Relief Teacher Podcast. Sue takes us through her career journey, starting in the early 80s with a Media Studies degree, teaching in technical colleges, and later transitioning into private and state school systems. From navigating challenging classrooms to embracing leadership roles, Sue’s stories highlight he...

In this 5-minute episode, we meet Terry Twomey, a former principal turned passionate advocate for CRTs. Terry shares his journey from teaching humanities in rural schools to leading as a principal in Melbourne, and how he found his way to Tradewind in 2017. With humor and candor, he reflects on the evolution of education, his love of live music, and the unexpected challenges of delivering professi...

In this 5-minute episode, we meet Helen Thomaidis, a long-time educator and co-host of The Relief Teacher Podcast. Helen reflects on her teaching journey, from rural Gippsland to urban schools in Melbourne's west, and her transition into supporting CRTs through webinars and podcasts. She shares her passion for education, the joy of collaborating with her co-hosts, and the importance of staying con...

In this 5 minute episode we meet the host of The Relief Teachers Podcast, Billy Green!    Billy reflects on his journey into education and his unexpected path to becoming the host of the The Relief Teacher Podcast. Billy shares stories, insights, and practical advice for CRTs, drawing from decades of teaching and mentoring experience.    From navigating the challenges of teachi...

As a relief teacher you can find yourself somewhat isolated as you move from school to school. Professionally and even emotionally this is not ideal. Building relationships with staff in schools is essential for relief teachers as it enhances collaboration, provides support, ensures consistency for students, and fosters professional development.   In this podcast the panel disc...

Teachers in Victoria are required to engage in professional learning each year as part of their registration with the Victorian Institute of Teaching (VIT). This week’s podcast looks at all the details including: •Hours required  •The time period. This period runs from October 1 to September 30 of the following year. •Domains of Learning which include the three domains of the Austra...

Demand for teachers in rural and regional areas right across Australia has never been higher. Incentive schemes offer significant financial reward for teachers prepared to move to the regions for long term stays. Have you considered working permanently or as a relief teacher in rural and regional areas? If so, what are the pros and cons? Join the panel as they discuss working a...

Classroom management strategies are crucial for creating an effective learning environment. As a CRT you need to be aware of the techniques that teachers use to maintain order, promote positive behaviour, and enhance student engagement. This week the panel discuss the importance of sound classroom management strategies in both primary and secondary classrooms, and highlight the do’s and don’t...

It is common for schools to celebrate or commemorate important days throughout the year. As a CRT these days might seem a little confusing or not particularly relevant, however for the school you can be certain they have significant meaning. As a relief teacher how can you best engage on these ‘special’ days and be seen to be supportive and involved? Join the panel as they walk thro...

Relief teaching can be hard work and from time to time we all have difficult days. How do you look after your own welfare if you have had a challenging day in a school? What can you do to get back on track and what strategies can you employ to assist?   Disclaimer The information provided on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. We are not health professio...