Gem Elmer’s life has been an extraordinary journey, taking her across the globe in pursuit of her dreams.
Mrs. Elmer began working with students with special needs while in college. While working towards her degree, she provided academic instruction and collaboration with therapists in a home setting. After graduating, Gem started her teaching career as an elementary special education teacher in Leyte, Philippines. After several years in that role, she felt called to challenge herself personally and professionally, and boldly accepted a teaching position in a high school in Antioch Unified School District in California. “Moving to a new country away from my family was not easy, especially with the language and cultural adjustments. I grew up speaking “Bookish English,” so understanding everyday conversations was a learning curve. But I embraced every challenge and learned so much along the way.” This courageous optimism, so essential to Gem Elmer’s character, is same trait that has propelled her through her journey as a teacher.
But Mrs. Elmer hadn’t always envisioned a career in education. “Teaching was not what I had imagined as a child. I had always dreamed of pursuing a degree in the medical field. However, in Filipino culture, it is common for families to fully support a child financially through college, and with that support often comes influence over the courses the student takes. I was lucky to have an uncle who sent me to college and paid for everything. Because he supported me financially, he also had a say in the degree I pursued. Out of respect and gratitude, I followed his lead and enrolled in education. When the university offered Special Education as one of the majors for the first time, I decided to take a chance and sign up. That decision changed my life. Over time, I learned that teaching was not about being perfect and knowing everything, but about showing up, learning alongside my students, and believing in them. In doing so, I discovered my purpose in special education. I gained the confidence to call myself a teacher. The joy of seeing my students grow, overcome challenges, and celebrate their small victories is what keeps me coming back day after day.”
Mrs. Elmer has traveled the globe, but found her home in Hillsboro. “During my years in California, I often visited Wisconsin to spend holidays with my relatives. I fell in love with the change of seasons (and maybe even the snow a little bit), and eventually, I met my spouse here. After three years of teaching in California, I decided to make Wisconsin my home.”
Gem quickly established herself as a highly sought-after special education teacher in the area. “Not long after I had moved to Wisconsin, I was hired at Necedah High School, where I taught for two years before being offered a position at Hillsboro Elementary School. I spent four wonderful years there and recently transitioned to the middle school to take on a new challenge. Having taught at both the elementary and high school levels, I saw this as a great opportunity to expand my experience and deepen my understanding of special education. Hillsboro has become home to me, not just because of my family and the community, but because of the warmth, support, and sense of belonging I’ve found here.”