Teacher, 91, remains driven by passion for learning

NASSAU BAY, TX (KTRK) -- Majorie Davidson is in the middle of the latest chapter in her life, working and teaching. What should get your attention is that she is 91 years old.

For years, Mrs. D, as she's known, has sometimes filled in as a substitute teacher at St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal School in Nassau Bay. She also plays the piano at the church during morning services. Her calling and her passion is phonics.

She first taught the spelling method to learning challenged students at the Briarwood School in Houston. A few years later, after she became a widow for the second time, Mrs. D moved to the Clear Lake area, and approached St. Thomas for a job.

"I applied to be the school's phonics teacher, but they said, 'We don't have one.' I told them, 'You do now.'"

Her enthusiasm for life and spelling has become part of the school's culture. Rather than teaching, she now tutors the students. Some have gone on to win statewide honors in the private school interscholastic association's spelling competition. Two students brought back medals this year. Others won previous honors in the contest.

Mrs. Davidson says some parents don't include spelling as a priority. She begs to disagree, and she doesn't mince words. "They say there's always spellcheck. I tell them that's fine if you go around all day tethered to a computer."

She is supportive, but has her issues with modern education in general. "I can't stand this everybody is a winner stuff. What happens to them when they go out into real life."

To that end, she tutors her students to win competitions. Asked if she coddles them, she quickly responds, "No way."

Her students are great spellers, but more than that, they're impressed by a woman who could be their great-great grandmother.

"Most teachers are fired or quit by the time they're 91," says eight-year-old Walter Kilgore, who won a medal in the competition.

A friend agreed that's Mrs. Davidson's attraction.

The parents love her as well, pointing out her gentle, yet no-nonsense personality.

She plans to continue her tutoring career for as long as possible, time and health permitting. Being around children and helping them prepare for adulthood she says is her greatest reward. One, we're told, became a professional speechwriter.

And it gets better -- Mrs. D drives a Camaro. She and her late husband used to have two-seater MGs. "Then I got too old for them," she says.

That may be her only acknowledgement that age can sometimes have its limits.