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How to Build a Google Gem That Works Like a Teacher's Assistant

If you've tried using Google Gemini and found it a bit generic, Gems are the fix. A Gem is a custom version of Gemini you configure once — with your context, your tone, your subject — and then use over and over without repeating yourself.

Think of it as hiring an AI assistant who already knows your class level, your school's terminology, and how you like to communicate.

What You'll Need

  • A Google account with access to Gemini
  • About 10 minutes to set it up
  • A clear idea of what you want it to help with (more on this below)

Step 1: Open Gem Manager

In Gemini, click Gem manager in the left sidebar, then hit New Gem. You'll see two fields: a name and instructions.

Step 2: Name It Something Useful

Give it a name that reflects its job. Examples:

  • Year 9 Science Helper
  • Parent Email Writer
  • Lesson Plan Builder – NZ Curriculum

You'll thank yourself later when you have multiple Gems and need to pick the right one fast.

Step 3: Write Your Instructions

This is where most teachers undersell themselves. The instructions tell Gemini who it is, what it knows, and how it should behave. A strong set of instructions has four parts:

Role — What is this Gem?

You are a lesson planning assistant for a primary school teacher in New Zealand. You understand the New Zealand Curriculum and Te Whāriki framework.

Context — What does it know about your situation?

My class is Year 5/6, mixed ability. I have 28 students. We follow a play-based learning approach where possible. Our school values are manaakitanga, innovation, and community.

Tone — How should it communicate?

Keep responses practical and concise. Avoid jargon. When suggesting activities, always note what materials are needed.

Constraints — What should it avoid?

Do not suggest activities that require more than $20 in resources. Do not write in a formal academic style.

Step 4: Save and Test It

Hit Save, then open the Gem and give it a prompt. A good first test:

"Plan a 45-minute maths lesson on fractions for Year 5/6. Include a warm-up, main activity, and reflection."

If the output feels off — too formal, wrong level, missing context — go back and tweak the instructions. This is normal. Most Gems get noticeably better after one or two rounds of refinement.

Step 5: Build a Library Over Time

Once you've got one Gem working well, the pattern is obvious. Consider building:

  • A feedback writer Gem that drafts student report comments in your voice
  • A differentiation helper that takes any task and gives you three versions (support, core, extension)
  • A parent communication Gem that turns bullet points into warm, professional emails

The Key Insight

The more specific your instructions, the less prompting you need later. A vague Gem gives generic output. A well-configured Gem gives you something usable in 30 seconds.

You're not just using AI — you're training a tool that knows your context. That's what makes Gems genuinely useful rather than just impressive.

TeachSmarterAI helps New Zealand teachers use AI tools effectively. New posts every week.