The Utah State Board of Education has named Daren Lentz the 2027 Utah Teacher of the Year, according to a November 5 statement. Lentz, a mathematics teacher at South Cache Middle School in the Cache County School District, will represent Utah’s public school educators and the state in the National Teacher of the Year program.
The selection comes after the passing of Talia Casares, who had been selected and publicly honored as the 2027 Utah Teacher of the Year in September. The Utah State Board of Education established that Casares will permanently hold the distinction of 2027 Utah Teacher of the Year.
Lentz stated that he is humbled to assume the responsibilities under the anticipated circumstances and noted that Casares' impact as an educator set a standard that inspired the community. Lentz expressed that he will carry her memory and commitment to public education while advocating for educators, classrooms, and students across Utah.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Molly Hart stated that Casares exemplified compassion and pedagogical excellence. Hart noted that Lentz was selected as a teacher of the year finalist through a state evaluation process.
As Utah Teacher of the Year, Lentz is scheduled to participate in state-level policy discussions, advocate for educator excellence, and represent Utah at national convenings in Washington, D.C., throughout the upcoming year.
