The Relief Teacher's Podcast by Tradewind Australia

In this episode, we take a behind-the-scenes look at Tradewind with senior consultant Brad Flowers, who supports teachers and education support staff working across alternative education settings. Brad highlights the wide range of opportunities available in specialist schools, special development schools and special assistance schools for disengaged students.If you’re considering expanding your work options in 2026, this episode is the perfect entrée. Tune in—your next career opportunity might be just around the corner.Looking 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.

In this episode we take a behind the scenes look at Tradewind and speak to Clare Wilson, senior consultant for Melbourne’s Western Region. Clare speaks about her role as both a consultant working in schools, working to support CRTs and most importantly about how CRTs can maximise their opportunities in 2026. Clare is a former classroom teacher and brings a wealth of experience to the role.Looking 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.

In the first of the summer sessions of the Relief Teacher Podcast we speak we turn the mic toward our own producer, Taylor Roche.Taylor shares how he came to Tradewind, what he loves about producing the podcast, and why our outside broadcasts—especially those in alternative settings—are a highlight of his work. He also gives a glimpse into what really makes a podcast successful: genuine passion.A warm, engaging behind-the-scenes conversation you won’t want to miss.Looking 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.

In this end-of-year episode, we wrap up the major issues that shaped schools in 2025—from staffing pressures and shifting curriculum priorities to explicit teaching and the growing role of digital literacy. Our panel reflects on what these changes meant for Casual Relief Teachers and how the profession adapted.We also look ahead to 2026: how will the social media ban play out, what will the new EBA mean for teachers and schools, and how will growth corridor schools manage the growing challenges of behaviour and attendance.As well as some tips on making the most of your holidays.Looking 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.

The holidays might be on the horizon, but for teachers, the start of a new school year is looming and it is anything but quiet! This week, we take a look at all the preparation that goes on before students return — from setting up classrooms and unpacking resources in primary schools to meeting colleagues and planning curriculum across both primary and secondary settings. It’s a busy, exciting time — almost as hectic as term itself! Tune in to get an insider’s view of the work that sets the year up for success.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 2.2       Content selection and organisation 2.3       Curriculum, assessment and reporting 3.1       Establish challenging learning goals 3.2       Plan, structure and sequence learning programs 3.4       Select and use resources 4.1       Support student participation 6.3       Engage with colleagues and improve practice 6.4       Apply professional learning and improve student learningLooking 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 the panel speaks with author and bullying expert Ian Findlay.  For decades Ian has worked with schools, families, bullies and victims and has vast experience in the field with much to offer. Ian discusses insights from his books Shared Responsibility: Beating Bullying in Australian Schools and his new release The Power Within: Become Bully-Proof, exploring what really works in preventing bullying and supporting young people. We cover:·      What schools often misunderstand about bullying·      How shared responsibility strengthens school culture·      Practical ways to empower students to become “bully-proof” Join us for a compact, insightful conversation for educators and parents alike on a topic that is forever challenging and complex.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 Teachers4.1       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.

This week, we dive into the newly released National Standard on Addressing Bullying in Australian Schools—a major step toward creating consistent, confident responses to bullying nationwide.We have a closer look at·      What the National Standard is and why it matters·      How it sets shared expectations for all schools·      How to define bullying and other harmful behaviours·      What the Standard means for teachers, CRTs and school leaders·      How it supports schools to take clear, appropriate action to keep students safeA short, sharp episode explaining how this new framework will shape school culture, student wellbeing and everyday practice across Australia.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 Teachers4.1       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.

This week, we visit Emerson Specialist School and chat with Campus Principal Dianne Wright. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to work in a specialist school — or thought it might not be for you — this episode is a must-listen. Emerson is a remarkable place that breaks down barriers and challenges the myths, giving every student the best possible opportunities to thrive. Tune in to find out more — you’ll be amazed!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 students 1.2       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 1.6       Strategies to support full participation of students with disability 2.5       Literacy and numeracy strategies 3.1       Establish challenging learning goals 3.2       Plan, structure and sequence learning programs 3.5       Use effective classroom communication 4.1       Support student participation            4.2       Manage classroom activities 6.2       Engage in professional learning and improve practice 6.3       Engage with colleagues and improve practiceLooking 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.

Teacher burnout is real — and it’s on the rise. This week, we take a closer look at the causes of burnout, share practical strategies to prevent it, and explore what to do if it’s already affecting you. Whether you’re a seasoned CRT or new to the classroom, this episode is packed with insights and ideas to help you stay balanced, energised, and thriving in your 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 Teachers4.1       Support student participation            4.2       Manage classroom activities 4.3       Manage challenging behaviour 4.4       Maintain student safety 6.1       Identify and plan professional learning needs 6.2       Engage in professional learning and improve practice 6.3       Engage with colleagues and improve practice 7.1       Meet professional ethics and responsibilities 7.2       Comply with legislative, administrative and organisational requirements 7.4       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.