On a chilly January morning, the doors to the Gervais High School woodworking shop slid open to the sound of metal, movement, and steady conversation. Sparks flew from welding torches. Students clustered around worktables, measuring, adjusting, asking questions. At the center of it all was Morgan Burns, moving easily from station to station, offering guidance, encouragement, and the occasional quick laugh as she helped students bring their projects to life.
Burns is Gervais School District’s new agriculture and FFA teacher, and in just a short time, she has already made herself at home in the shop and in the community. Originally from Montana, Burns recently relocated to Oregon with her husband after attending Montana State University. The transition, she says, has been an exciting one.
“My name is Morgan Burns, and I just moved here to Oregon with my husband from Montana,” she shared. “I am very excited to be a part of this amazing program and community, and I cannot wait to see where this FFA program is going to go.”
Her enthusiasm is especially evident in her welding classes, where students work with focus and confidence. Burns credits them for setting a high bar early on.
“These students have gone above and beyond and have exceeded my expectations in so many ways,” she said. “I have really enjoyed teaching all of my classes, but especially welding.”
That sense of mutual respect has helped shape the tone of the program. Burns describes Gervais students as welcoming, hardworking, and eager to learn, qualities she says make teaching here especially rewarding.
“The Gervais students have been incredibly welcoming and hardworking, and I am very grateful to be a part of this community,” she said.
As the FFA program continues to grow, Burns brings with her both technical expertise and a clear passion for student success. In the hum of the shop, surrounded by students learning skills that will carry them far beyond the classroom, it is clear that Gervais has gained not just a new teacher, but a dedicated advocate for hands-on learning and community connection.