Talia Casares, a sixth-grade Spanish Dual Language Immersion teacher at Moroni Elementary in the North Sanpete School District, is Utah’s 2027 Teacher of the Year.
Casares brings language and literacy together with science, technology and STEM learning, creating opportunities for students to strengthen academic skills while building confidence in what they can accomplish. She has spent nine years as a public educator and a UEA member.
The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) selected Casares from teachers representing school districts and charter schools across Utah. A statewide committee included representatives from UEA, parent and teacher advocacy organizations, higher education and charter schools.
Originally from Mexico City, Casares earned a Master of Arts in Spanish Pedagogy from Brigham Young University. Her graduate research examined how educators can integrate literacy, science and technology in dual language immersion classrooms. She has carried that work into her own classroom, connecting disciplines rather than teaching them in isolation.
UEA President Renée Pinkney was there to congratulate Casares and celebrate the recognition.
“Talia knows that great teaching is about challenging students while helping them see what they are capable of,” Pinkney said. “She brings creativity, expertise and purpose to her classroom, and she shares that same leadership with other educators. We are incredibly proud that Utah’s Teacher of the Year is a longtime UEA member and thrilled to celebrate Talia and everything she brings to public education.”
Casares also supports fellow educators through mentorship, leadership and professional learning. In 2025, the Utah Coalition for Educational Technology recognized her with its Innovative Teacher Award.
Her selection continues a proud history of UEA members earning Utah Teacher of the Year honors and reflects the expertise UEA members bring to classrooms and public schools across the state.
Casares received $10,000 with the statewide honor and will compete alongside other state teachers of the year in the national Teacher of the Year competition next year. She will also participate in state and national leadership opportunities, giving her a broader platform to share the experience and expertise she has built with students and educators at Moroni Elementary.
