The Relief Teacher's Podcast by Tradewind Australia

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.

Technology and social media play a major role in the lives of young people, and schools are increasingly navigating the challenges that come with digital communication, online behaviour and student wellbeing.In this episode, we explore the growing discussion around digital device and social media bans in schools, including the impact technology can have on learning, behaviour, student engagement and mental health.We also discuss the role CRTs play in enforcing school policies around devices and online behaviour, managing classroom expectations and maintaining professional boundaries in increasingly digital learning environments. This episode provides practical insight into supporting safe, focused and respectful classroom spaces in the modern education landscape.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 learn3.4 Select and use resources3.5 Use effective classroom communication4.1 Support student participation4.2 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.

Travancore School is a unique Department of Education setting that many teachers have heard of but may not fully understand. In this episode, Sue and Helen speak with Claire Greve, an experienced teacher at Travancore, about the vital work the school does to support students experiencing mental health challenges to remain connected with their education. Claire shares insights into Travancore’s programs, how students are supported while still enrolled in their home schools, and the powerful role collaboration plays between teachers, families, and mental health professionals. This conversation offers valuable insights for graduate teachers, CRTs, and anyone interested in supporting student wellbeing and engagement in education.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 learn 1.3 Students with diverse linguistic, cultural, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds 1.5 Differentiate teaching to meet the specific learning needs of students across the full range of abilities 2.2 Content selection and organisation 3.5 Use effective classroom communication 4.1 Support student participation 4.4 Maintain student safetyLooking 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.

Growth corridor schools are some of the fastest-growing and most demanding environments CRTs will encounter.In this episode, we explore what it’s like working in new and rapidly expanding schools - from changing enrolments and developing systems to staffing pressures and strong reliance on relief teachers. We also discuss why these schools can be challenging, why they often need CRTs, and how relief teachers can thrive in environments that are still finding their feet.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 learn1.3    Students with diverse linguistic, cultural, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds3.1    Establish challenging learning goals3.2    Plan, structure and sequence learning programs3.3    Use teaching strategies3.4    Select and use resources3.5    Use effective classroom communication4.1    Support student participation4.2    Manage classroom activities4.3    Manage challenging behaviour4.4    Maintain student safety7.1    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.

Regional schools offer opportunities that many CRTs overlook: stronger relationships, a real sense of belonging, and often greater professional trust and autonomy. In this episode, we speak with the principal of a regional school to unpack what relief teachers will notice that’s different from metro settings – from school culture and community expectations to behaviour, resources, travel, and workload. We walk through the genuine advantages, the challenges you need to be ready for, and the types of teachers who tend to thrive in regional environments. If you’ve ever wondered whether a regional placement could suit your skills, values, or stage of life, this conversation will help you decide with eyes wide open.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 learn2.1    Content and teaching strategies of the teaching area2.5    Literacy and numeracy strategies2.6    Information and Communication Technology (ICT)3.4    Select and use resources3.5    Use effective classroom communication4.1    Support student participation      4.2    Manage classroom activities4.3    Manage challenging behaviour4.4    Maintain student safety4.5    Use ICT safely, responsibly and ethicallyLooking 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.

Good classroom management is the foundation of every successful relief lesson. In this episode, we focus on the essentials — getting classes off to a strong start, establishing routines quickly, delivering clear and structured lessons, and preventing problems before they arise. Practical and realistic, this conversation is all about the small moves that help CRTs create calm, purposeful classrooms from the moment students walk through the door.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 learn2.1    Content and teaching strategies of the teaching area3.1    Establish challenging learning goals3.2    Plan, structure and sequence learning programs3.3    Use teaching strategies3.4    Select and use resources3.5    Use effective classroom communication4.1    Support student participation      4.2    Manage classroom activities4.3    Manage challenging behaviour4.4    Maintain student safetyLooking 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 play an important role in keeping students safe, but working across different schools can make it hard to stay on top of expectations. In this episode, we explore what CRTs need to know about Child Safe Standards in Victorian schools — including your responsibilities, what to look out for, and what to report. A practical guide to help you work confidently, meet your obligations, and ensure every classroom you enter is a safe environment 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 Teachers4.1    Support student participation4.2    Manage classroom activities4.3    Manage challenging behaviour4.4    Maintain student safety4.5    Use ICT safely, responsibly and ethically7.1    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.

This week on The Relief Teacher Podcast, we focus on what it’s really like returning to the classroom after a long break from teaching. Many CRTs are surprised by just how much has changed in Victorian schools — from behaviour expectations and wellbeing frameworks to technology, compliance requirements, and classroom practice. In this episode, we unpack the key shifts returning teachers will notice straight away and identify the priority areas to focus on to get back up to speed quickly and confidently. Practical, reassuring, and grounded in today’s school realities, this is an essential listen for any teacher stepping back into the contemporary Victorian classroom.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 area2.5    Literacy and numeracy strategies2.6    Information and Communication Technology (ICT)3.4    Select and use resources3.5    Use effective classroom communication4.1    Support student participation      4.2    Manage classroom activities4.3    Manage challenging behaviour4.4    Maintain student safety4.5    Use ICT safely, responsibly and ethically7.1    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.

Getting regular work as a CRT is not about luck—it’s about alignment. In this episode, we break down what schools are really looking for when they choose who to book (and who they quietly avoid). From professionalism and classroom presence to communication, flexibility and reputation, we unpack the small behaviours that make a big difference. If you want to move from “available” to in-demand, this conversation will sharpen your edge.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 Teachers1.2 Understand how students learn 2.1 Content and teaching strategies of the teaching area 3.3 Use teaching strategies 3.4 Select and use resources 3.5 Use effective classroom communication 4.1 Support student participation 4.2 Manage classroom activities 4.3 Manage challenging behaviour 4.4 Maintain student safety7.1 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.