This week we continue our series exploring non-mainstream schools where relief teachers can find rewarding opportunities. In our first episode, we visited Jacana School for Autism. In the second, we explored the Hester Hornbrook Academy. And now, in the third, we step inside Yesodei HaTorah, an Orthodox Jewish secondary campus.

We’ll hear what makes this learning environment unique, the values and traditions that shape daily school life, and what relief teachers need to know if they’re considering work in such a setting.

Join us as we broaden the picture of where teaching can take you - beyond the mainstream and into diverse, meaningful contexts.

Professional Development Opportunity

Professional 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 Teachers

1.3    Students with diverse linguistic, cultural, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds

6.3    Engage with colleagues and improve practice

7.1    Meet professional ethics and responsibilities

7.4    Engage with professional teaching networks and broader communities

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

During some periods of the year relief teacher work is scarce so at times it may be useful to look at school settings outside the norm.  This week on the relief teacher podcats we explore the wide range of opportunities beyond the government system. From independent and faith-based schools to alternative education settings, we’ll unpack what’s on offer, how to get your foot in the door, and what to expect if you step into these unique environments. Whether you’re looking for variety, new challenges, or a different fit for your teaching style, this episode will broaden your horizons.

Professional Development Opportunity

Professional 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 Teachers

7.1    Meet professional ethics and responsibilities

7.4    Engage with professional teaching networks and broader communities

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 factors to consider before making the shift — from workload and wellbeing to leadership support, school culture, career progression, and the balance between stability and flexibility. If you’ve been thinking about applying for a role, but aren’t sure which position or setting is right for you, this conversation will help you weigh up your options and make a confident choice.

Professional Development Opportunity

Professional 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 Teachers

7.1    Meet professional ethics and responsibilities

7.4    Engage with professional teaching networks and broader communities

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 about how to protect your own wellbeing when classrooms get tough, when incidents arise out of nowhere and you are left to manage, not just the circumstances but your own wellbeing. From quick reset strategies to long-term self-care, we’ll share practical ways to stay grounded, resilient, and ready for the next call.

Professional Development Opportunity

Professional 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 Teachers

4.3       Manage challenging behaviour

4.4       Maintain student safety   

7.1       Meet professional ethics and responsibilities

7.4       Engage with professional teaching networks and broader communities

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 it”
• The danger of being overly casual (and when it crosses a line)
• How schools react when relief teachers avoid responsibility
• Ignoring routines and policies: a fast way to lose trust
• What happens when you check your phone instead of engaging with students
• Why respect for support staff and colleagues is non-negotiable
• The lasting impression: how small actions shape your reputation

If you’re a relief teacher - or working with them - this episode is a practical guide on how to build trust, earn repeat bookings, and avoid being that teacher schools quietly sideline.

Professional Development Opportunity

Professional 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 Teachers

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 safety

4.5       Use ICT safely, responsibly and ethically           

7.1       Meet professional ethics and responsibilities

7.4       Engage with professional teaching networks and broader communities

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 episode will help you make an informed, confident decision. 

Don’t jump in blind - tune in and weigh it up

Professional Development Opportunity

Professional 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 Teachers

7.1       Meet professional ethics and responsibilities

7.4       Engage with professional teaching networks and broader communities

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 what to do, what to avoid, and how to stay on the right side of leadership when the unexpected strikes.

Be prepared. Be professional. Be the CRT schools want back — and don’t end up carrying the blame.

Professional Development Opportunity

Professional 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 Teachers

3.5 Use effective classroom communication

4.3 Manage challenging behaviour

4.4 Maintain student safety

4.5 Use ICT safely, responsibly and ethically

7.1 Meet professional ethics and responsibilities

7.2 Comply with legislative, administrative and organisational requirements

7.3 Engage with the parents/carers

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 episode is for you.

Tune in and get the context that helps make sense of the chaos.

Professional Development Opportunity

Professional 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 Teachers

6.2    Engage in professional learning and improve practice

7.1    Meet professional ethics and responsibilities

7.4    Engage with professional teaching networks and broader communities

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 relief teacher. Whether you're new to the profession or a seasoned CRT, this episode offers practical insights and inspiration for deepening your school connections.

Tune in and discover why no one teaches alone.

Professional Development Opportunity

Professional 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 Teachers

3.7    Engage parents / carers in the educative process

6.2    Engage in professional learning and improve practice

7.1    Meet professional ethics and responsibilities

7.3    Engage with the parents/carers

7.4    Engage with professional teaching networks and broader communities

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 where they might want to plant more permanent roots. Tune in for a fresh perspective on turning short-term gigs into long-term opportunities.

Professional Development Opportunity

Professional 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 Teachers

2.1 Content and teaching strategies of the teaching area

2.2 Content selection and organisation

2.3 Curriculum, assessment and reporting

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

6.4 Apply professional learning and improve student learning

7.4 Engage with professional teaching networks and broader communities

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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.