Talia Casares Selected as Utah’s Teacher of the Year
September 4, 2026
Congratulations to Talia Casares! She has been named Utah’s Teacher of the Year. This recognition was announced at the Teacher of the Year Banquet in Salt Lake City last night. Each school district and charter school were able to nominate a candidate and she came out on top. She will represent the State of Utah for the national competition. She is the first teacher of the year from North Sanpete School District. We are lucky to have her! She is an excellent teacher and this recognition is well deserved! ONE TEAM!
September 4, 2026
For Immediate Release
Contact: Michelle Berg, USBE elementary science and STEM specialist
801-538-7906 ∙ Michelle.Berg@schools.utah.gov
Talia Casares of North Sanpete School District Selected as Utah’s Teacher of the Year
SALT LAKE CITY– The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) is pleased to announce that Talia Casares, a sixth-grade Spanish Dual Language Immersion teacher from Moroni Elementary in the North Sanpete School District, was selected as the 2027 Utah Teacher of the Year.
A committee consisting of representatives from USBE, parent and teacher advocacy organizations, higher education, and charter schools, selected Casares from local teachers of the year in district and charter schools across the State of Utah.
Originally from Mexico City, Casares believes education creates opportunities and transforms lives. She earned a Master of Arts in Spanish Pedagogy from Brigham Young University, where her research explored the integration of literacy, science, and technology in dual language immersion classrooms. Throughout her nine-year career, she has been recognized for creating innovative learning experiences that connect language, literacy, STEM, and technology while helping students build confidence and discover their potential.
Her commitment to instructional excellence earned her the 2025 Utah Coalition for Educational Technology Innovative Teacher Award, and she continues to support educator growth through mentorship, leadership, and professional learning opportunities. Through her teaching, leadership, and service, Casares strives to create learning environments where every student feels valued, empowered, and capable of making a positive difference.
Casares was presented with a check for $10,000 and will compete with her fellow state teachers of the year in the national competition next year. She will also participate in a number of state and national leadership opportunities.
The following 2027 Utah Teacher of the Year Finalists received $2,000:
- Danielle Carter | 5th Grade Special Education | Delta Middle School, Millard School District
- Sondra Knudsen | Kindergarten | Adams Elementary, Logan City School District
- Daren Lentz | 7th Grade Mathematics | South Cache Middle School, Cache County School District
- Megan Morrison | 7th-9th Special Education | South Jordan Middle School, Jordan School District
The Utah Teacher of the Year and finalists will have opportunities to build their capacity as leaders and share their expertise throughout the state.
www.schools.utah.gov
Marie Denson
Communications & Media Relations Officer
Utah State Board of Education
Office Phone: (385) 295-7948
Wk Cell: (385) 454-2664
marie.denson@schools.utah.gov
Please join us on August 12th at 7pm for a virtual event
2026 URSA Principal of the Year Stacey Peterson
Survey link THIS SURVEY IS ANONYMOUS.... WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO TRACK WHO SUBMITS INPUT ON THIS SURVEY. YOUR INPUT IS INVALUABLE. NSSD Education Family, As we begin planning for the future of North Sanpete School District, we are asking for your input. We are developing a new five-year strategic plan, and this survey is one of the most important tools we will use to understand what is working, where we need to improve, and how we can best support our students, staff, and community moving forward. The survey is brief—about 3 to 5 minutes—and focuses on key areas that directly impact student success. Your responses are anonymous, will be reviewed in summary form and used to guide real decisions about priorities, programs, and resources across the district. If you have ever wanted to have a voice in the direction of our schools, this is that opportunity. Thank you for taking a few minutes to share your perspective and for your continued support of our students. YOU are the ones where the rubber meets the road. PLEASE SHARE YOUR INPUT! THIS SURVEY CLOSES ON MAY 22nd THANK YOU, O'Dee Hansen Superintendent North Sanpete School District ohansen@nsanpete.org 435-462-2485