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
