The Utah State Board of Education celebrated Daren Lentz as the new Utah Teacher of the Year during its November 5 meeting, stepping into the role following the passing of Talia Casares. Casares, a sixth-grade teacher at Moroni Elementary, had been honored as the 2027 Utah Teacher of the Year earlier this year before her death on Sept. 15, 2026.
A New Teacher of the Year
During the board's meeting on Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026, officials recognized Lentz as he takes on the responsibilities vacated by Casares. The Board of Education stated it will continue to honor the legacy of Casares.
Casares served as a sixth-grade Spanish Dual Language Immersion teacher at Moroni Elementary within the North Sanpete School District. She was named the 2027 Utah Teacher of the Year in late August 2026, just two weeks before her death, according to a news release from the Utah State Board of Education.
Community Mourns Educator
Governor Spencer Cox expressed deep sadness regarding the unexpected passing of Casares, noting she was a beloved educator who taught fourth and sixth grades at Moroni Elementary. Cox said Casares had a remarkable ability to help students feel seen, valued, and capable, leaving a lasting mark on Sanpete County and the state.
Molly Hart, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, described Casares as an extraordinary educator whose warmth and passion left an indelible mark on her students and the North Sanpete community. Hart noted that Casares possessed an exceptional ability to connect language, STEM, and literacy.
Support for Students and Staff
The North Sanpete School District released a statement describing Casares as an amazing teacher who believed in her students and encouraged them to believe in themselves. Following her death on Sept. 15, 2026, the district offered grief counseling to students and staff at Moroni Elementary, North Sanpete Middle School, and North Sanpete High School.
Board Meeting Highlights
In addition to the Teacher of the Year recognition, the November 5 meeting included the swearing-in of Katrina Gibson, who was appointed by Governor Cox to fill a District 2 vacancy through the end of the year. The board also recognized Susie Estrada as the November Employee of the Month.
