Billie Jo Pettigrew has many years experience in education as an Educational Diagnostician and as a teacher in elementary, junior high and high schools in regular and special education.  She had been employed by Amarillo, Boys Ranch, Bushland, and Windham ISD's before joining Canyon ISD 14 years ago after her retirement.

     Ms. Pettigrew has a BS degree in education and a ME degree with a major of Educational Diagnostician.

      Some of the things that I enjoy are fun times with my family, three sons, five grandchildren, and one great grandson, Xeriscape gardening, reading, and scouting with the Kwahadi Dancers group.  My grandson has participated with this group for five years, as well as a grand-daughter for three years.  We have had  Kwahadi adventures in most of the United States, England, Scotland, and Ireland.   I have learned to make costumes, build a bustle of feathers, and to do bead-work.  I would never have dreamed of doing these things.  Ask me about our journeys to see the tribal dances in New Mexico and Arizona sometime. 

     Life is an adventure to me; every day is a joy. That is why I am still teaching; when you find your bliss, you never work a day in your life.

     I believe that learning should be fun and that learning should prepare you to keep learning the rest of your life.