The Relief Teacher's Podcast by Tradewind Australia

Join in as we chat with Cara Macfarlane, Assistant Principal from Vermont Secondary College to explore her journey from graduate teacher to school leader and gain an insider's perspective on what helps schools thrive.We gain insight into the school culture, student success, leadership and the qualities that make relief teachers the first choice for future bookings. This episode is packed with practical insights and thoughtful reflections from someone who has successfully navigated every stage of the profession.Professional Development OpportunityProfessional learning may include:• seminars, conferences, workshops and online learning• collegiate meetings and professional conversations focused on improving practice and outcomes for learners• participation in education-related boards, committees or panels.This episode focuses on:Australian Professional Standards for Teachers1.1 Physical, social and intellectual development and characteristics of students1.2 Understand how students learn2.1 Content and teaching strategies of the teaching area3.5 Use effective classroom communication4.1 Support student participation 4.2 Manage classroom activities4.3 Manage challenging behaviour4.4 Maintain student safety7.1 Meet professional ethics and responsibilities7.2 Comply with legislative, administrative and organisational requirementsLooking for work? Submit your CV Looking for quality teachers?If you would like to use Tradewind’s teachers in your school, please call 1800 192 195 or send your details to us and we will be in contact shortly.

No two days of relief teaching are ever the same, and sometimes the most challenging situations arise when CRTs least expect them. From difficult parent interactions and last-minute timetable changes to student incidents and unexpected school procedures, adaptability is an essential skill for relief teachers.In this episode, we continue exploring common “What happens if…” scenarios that CRTs may encounter in schools and provide practical strategies for responding professionally, confidently and calmly under pressure.We also discuss the importance of communication, problem-solving and understanding school expectations when navigating unfamiliar situations, helping relief teachers feel more prepared for the realities of day-to-day CRT work.Professional Development OpportunityProfessional learning may include:• seminars, conferences, workshops and online learning• collegiate meetings and professional conversations focused on improving practice and outcomes for learners• participation in education-related boards, committees or panels.This episode focuses on:Australian Professional Standards for TeachersThis episode focuses on:Australian Professional Standards for Teachers1.2 Understand how students learn3.3 Use teaching strategies3.5 Use effective classroom communication4.1 Support student participation4.2 Manage classroom activities4.3 Manage challenging behaviour4.4 Maintain student safety6.2 Engage in professional learning and improve practice7.2 Comply with legislative, administrative and organisational requirementsLooking for work? Submit your CV Looking for quality teachers?If you would like to use Tradewind’s teachers in your school, please call 1800 192 195 or send your details to us and we will be in contact shortly.

Relief teaching can be incredibly rewarding — but it can also be one of the most challenging roles in education. From constantly adapting to new environments to managing behaviour, building relationships quickly and handling uncertainty, CRTs are often expected to perform under pressure with very little preparation time.In this episode, we explore why relief teaching can feel so difficult, the hidden pressures many CRTs experience and the realities of working across different schools, classrooms and student cohorts.We also discuss strategies for building confidence, developing resilience and recognising the value CRTs bring to schools every day. This episode aims to reassure relief teachers that many of the challenges they face are shared experiences across the profession.Professional Development OpportunityProfessional learning may include:• seminars, conferences, workshops and online learning• collegiate meetings and professional conversations focused on improving practice and outcomes for learners• participation in education-related boards, committees or panels.This episode focuses on:Australian Professional Standards for TeachersThis episode focuses on:Australian Professional Standards for Teachers1.1 Physical, social and intellectual development and characteristics of students1.2 Understand how students learn3.5 Use effective classroom communication4.1 Support student participation4.2 Manage classroom activities4.3 Manage challenging behaviour6.2 Engage in professional learning and improve practice6.3 Engage with colleagues and improve practice7.1 Meet professional ethics and responsibilitiesLooking for work? Submit your CV Looking for quality teachers?If you would like to use Tradewind’s teachers in your school, please call 1800 192 195 or send your details to us and we will be in contact shortly.

Every CRT eventually faces unexpected situations in the classroom — from student behaviour incidents and missing lesson plans to technology issues, emergencies and difficult conversations with staff or students.In this episode, we explore a range of common “What happens if…” scenarios that relief teachers may encounter during a school day and discuss practical ways to respond calmly, professionally and confidently.We also look at the importance of adaptability, communication and problem-solving when navigating unfamiliar environments, while offering strategies to help CRTs feel more prepared for the unpredictable nature of relief teaching.Professional Development OpportunityProfessional learning may include:• seminars, conferences, workshops and online learning• collegiate meetings and professional conversations focused on improving practice and outcomes for learners• participation in education-related boards, committees or panels.This episode focuses on:Australian Professional Standards for TeachersThis episode focuses on:Australian Professional Standards for Teachers1.2 Understand how students learn3.3 Use teaching strategies3.5 Use effective classroom communication4.1 Support student participation4.2 Manage classroom activities4.3 Manage challenging behaviour4.4 Maintain student safety6.2 Engage in professional learning and improve practice7.2 Comply with legislative, administrative and organisational requirementsLooking for work? Submit your CV Looking for quality teachers?If you would like to use Tradewind’s teachers in your school, please call 1800 192 195 or send your details to us and we will be in contact shortly.

Burnout is one of the biggest challenges facing educators and CRTs alike — especially when balancing unpredictable workloads, difficult classroom environments and the pressure to constantly perform at a high level.In this episode, we explore the warning signs of burnout, why it is so common in education, and the impact it can have on both professional performance and personal wellbeing.We also discuss practical strategies for protecting your energy, maintaining healthy boundaries, managing stress and creating sustainable habits that support long-term success in the classroom. Whether you are new to CRT work or an experienced educator, this episode provides valuable insights into maintaining balance while continuing to support students effectively.Professional Development OpportunityProfessional learning may include:• seminars, conferences, workshops and online learning• collegiate meetings and professional conversations focused on improving practice and outcomes for learners• participation in education-related boards, committees or panels.This episode focuses on:Australian Professional Standards for Teachers1.1 Physical, social and intellectual development and characteristics of students1.2 Understand how students learn4.1 Support student participation4.2 Manage classroom activities4.3 Manage challenging behaviour4.4 Maintain student safety6.2 Engage in professional learning and improve practice6.3 Engage with colleagues and improve practice7.1 Meet professional ethics and responsibilitiesLooking for work? Submit your CV Looking for quality teachers?If you would like to use Tradewind’s teachers in your school, please call 1800 192 195 or send your details to us and we will be in contact shortly.

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 and often most challenging part of the year, we also look at practical ways to prepare - rebuilding energy, sharpening routines, and setting boundaries that will actually hold. Honest, reflective, and grounded in real experience, this conversation is about finishing the term well and starting the next one ready. Professional Development OpportunityProfessional learning may include:• seminars, conferences, workshops and online learning• collegiate meetings and professional conversations focused on improving practice and outcomes for learners• participation in education-related boards, committees or panels.This episode focuses on:Australian Professional Standards for Teachers6.1 Identify and plan professional learning needs6.2 Engage in professional learning and improve practice6.3 Engage with colleagues and improve practice7.4 Engage with professional teaching networks and broader communitiesLooking for work? Submit your CV Looking for quality teachers?If you would like to use Tradewind’s teachers in your school, please call 1800 192 195 or send your details to us and we will be in contact shortly.

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 discuss the importance of professional boundaries, following school procedures, maintaining student safety and understanding when and how to escalate concerns to leadership or wellbeing teams. This episode provides practical guidance to help CRTs feel more confident navigating sensitive situations while supporting positive outcomes for students.Professional Development OpportunityProfessional learning may include:• seminars, conferences, workshops and online learning• collegiate meetings and professional conversations focused on improving practice and outcomes for learners• participation in education-related boards, committees or panels.This episode focuses on:Australian Professional Standards for TeachersThis episode focuses on:Australian Professional Standards for Teachers1.1 Physical, social and intellectual development and characteristics of students1.3 Students with diverse linguistic, cultural, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds4.1 Support student participation4.4 Maintain student safety5.1 Assess student learning6.2 Engage in professional learning and improve practice7.1 Meet professional ethics and responsibilities7.2 Comply with legislative, administrative and organisational requirementsLooking for work? Submit your CV Looking for quality teachers?If you would like to use Tradewind’s teachers in your school, please call 1800 192 195 or send your details to us and we will be in contact shortly.

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 stay proactive, manage risk, and respond confidently when things don’t go to plan. Whether it’s your first excursion or your fiftieth, this conversation will help you stay calm, prepared, and in control.Professional Development OpportunityProfessional learning may include:• seminars, conferences, workshops and online learning• collegiate meetings and professional conversations focused on improving practice and outcomes for learners• participation in education-related boards, committees or panels.This episode focuses on:Australian Professional Standards for TeachersThis episode focuses on:Australian Professional Standards for Teachers3.5 Use effective classroom communication 4.1 Support student participation 4.2 Manage classroom activities 4.3 Manage challenging behaviour 4.4 Maintain student safety 7.1 Meet professional ethics and responsibilities 7.2 Comply with legislative, administrative and organisational requirements 7.3 Engage with the parents/carersLooking for work? Submit your CV Looking for quality teachers?If you would like to use Tradewind’s teachers in your school, please call 1800 192 195 or send your details to us and we will be in contact shortly.