The Relief Teacher's Podcast by Tradewind Australia

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 matters more than “winging i...

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 firmly on the fence, this...

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 decision-making under pressure. Learn ...

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 “What’s really going on here?” this...

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 transform your experience as a rel...

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 relief teachers identify environments whe...

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 learning may include:

•seminars...

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 Development Opportunity

Pr...

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 in, unleash your inner-bureaucrat an...

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

Professional learning may include...

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 gain a deeper understanding of the...

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 students to self-regulate?

How do y...

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 manner? What are some situations that co...

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. This week the panel discuss the basics...

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 panel as they discuss these mat...

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 teaching (planning, enabling learning, exp...

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? This week the panel discuss st...

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 ES staff, how their knowledge and co...

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 might be best to avoid. This we...