Mother-Daughter Duo Partner Up in the Classroom

You know the saying, “it’s in your blood?” For Nora and Brittany Aguilar, it rings truer than you’d believe.

These two Eiland Elementary teachers work at the same school, the same grade, teach the same students, and better yet, they’re mother and daughter.

“I remember when I was in elementary school, we had to create a book about our hero, and I made mine about my mom,” Ms. Brittany Aguilar said. “It is true up to this day, my mom is still my hero and sets a high standard for me in the classroom and my life goals.”

Working together is one thing both women are incredibly grateful for.

“I’ve rekindled my love and passion for teaching by seeing my daughter become a teacher,” Mrs. Nora Aguilar said. “Brittany keeps me on my toes, and whatever takes me a while to figure out, she does much faster. I am a proud Momma by what I see and hear from other staff members about her.”

Ms. Brittany Aguilar talking with a student.

Both Brittany and Nora found their calling in teaching through unconventional methods.

“Twenty-three years ago, my Kindergarten teacher sparked a love of teaching in me. She told me about a ‘Home Grown’ project to become a teacher,” Mrs. Nora Aguilar said. “In my mid-20s, I was already married, with three children, a household, a full-time job, and had gotten an Associate’s Degree in Business. I wanted to be present in my children’s education and also dreamed of getting a bachelor’s degree and being the first in my family to accomplish that.”

Mrs. Nora Aguilar graduated cum laude from the University of Houston Downtown. Ms. Brittany Aguilar has also proven to be focused and determined to follow her dreams.

“I took the long route into teaching, graduating from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology,” Ms. Brittany Aguilar said. “Throughout my experiences in the Kinesiology industry, I always wanted to coach and teach children. When schools reopened after the pandemic, I became a substitute teacher for Klein ISD and never looked back, returning to school for my second bachelor’s degree.”

The best part for the Aguilars is showing students a healthy and positive family relationship each day.

“Demonstrating our connection to each other is a way of teaching our students the value of family and how language has power,” Mrs. Nora Aguilar said. “Like when I say ‘I love you’ to my daughter or she writes kind loving notes to me during her lessons, it’s a chance for our students to see another example of the importance of relationships.”

For Ms. Brittany Aguilar, teaching with her mom and strengthening their relationship is something she knows is the chance of a lifetime.

“The best thing about working with my mom is that we have endless love and support for each other. If I need something or achieve my goals, my mom will be there to help me out or cheer me on. I cannot ask for a better partner teacher, and I am so happy I was given the opportunity to start my teaching journey with her by my side.”

Mrs. Nora Aguilar hopes to instill good core teacher values in her daughter so she, too, can make a difference in their little learners’ lives.

“I believe every day is a blank slate. I want to inspire and transform students’ mentality to believe in themselves with a mind of `I’m possible’ instead of impossible,” Mrs. Nora Aguilar said. “I want to empower students to reach their potential by investing in their promise to lead a life with purpose. It is not who you think you are but who you choose to be!”

Mrs. Nora Aguilar adding sprinkles to student’s treat before their holiday party.

This remarkable teacher feature touches on the importance of relationships, care, and family values in our school district.

“I view family as one of my core values, and I understand how essential it is to be surrounded by supportive people. Seeing the words ‘Klein Family’ evokes a similar sentiment; it is wonderful to have the opportunity to work with my daughter and be part of a larger family with everyone else at Klein,” Mrs. Nora Aguilar said. “I feel so fortunate to work for a school district that welcomes all of us as we are, and I hope that the experiences I share with my daughter can inspire all of us at Klein to continue coming together as a family.”

We are all so grateful to Mrs. Nora Aguilar and Ms. Brittany Aguilar for their endless love and dedication to each other, and especially to our students. 

Also, congratulations to Ms. Brittany Aguilar on her marriage this past fall. She will officially be Mrs. Farias shortly.