The Relief Teacher's Podcast by Tradewind Australia

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 factor…

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…

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 b…

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 k…

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…

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 you…

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, s…

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…

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 i…

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 …

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…

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, a…

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 M…

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…

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 c…

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 v…

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 opti…

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 …

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 f…

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 di…