Talia Casares, who was named Utah’s 2027 Teacher of The Year earlier this month, has died.

Casares, a cherished Spanish dual-language immersion teacher at Moroni Elementary, died unexpectedly Monday, the North Sanpete School District announced on Facebook late Monday evening.

“Señora Casares was an amazing teacher,” the post read. “She had a special way of making students feel seen, valued and capable. Her love for her students, her passion for learning, and her joy in teaching were evident in everything she did.”

A cause of death was not released. Casares, who taught sixth grade, was 39.

On Sept. 3, the Utah State Board of Education named Casares as Utah’s Teacher of the Year. She received the award and a $10,000 check during a celebratory banquet at the Little America Hotel in downtown Salt Lake City.

“I think this isn’t just for me,” Casares said in her acceptance speech. “I think this belongs to every teacher, every teacher deserves this, because I know you do a lot of things that no one sees.”

The annual honor is presented to educators who embody “the pinnacle of teaching excellence in Utah dedication” and have demonstrated “an unwavering commitment to student growth, exemplary teaching and professional leadership,” according to an August USBE news release.

Casares was known for her innovation and ability to intertwine both language and STEM into learning experiences for her students. It’s part of what earned her the prestigious title, according to USBE’s announcement at the time.

She was selected from a pool of five finalists, and her win was determined by a committee including representatives from the USBE and the Utah Education Association (UEA), the state’s largest teachers’ union.

UEA President Renée Pinkney attended the Sept. 3 banquet and was there to congratulate Casares, according to the organization’s website.

“The Utah Education Association is heartbroken,” Pinkney said in a statement to The Salt Lake Tribune on Tuesday. “Just days ago, Utah’s education community celebrated Talia for the creativity and care she brought to her classroom when she received the honor. ... Our hearts are with Talia’s family and loved ones, her students and colleagues at Moroni Elementary, and the entire North Sanpete school community as they grieve this devastating loss.”

USBE officials said Tuesday they were mourning her loss.

“Talia was an extraordinary educator whose warmth, passion and devotion left an indelible mark on her students, her school, and our entire state,” State Superintendent Molly Hart said. “To lose someone of her vision, kindness and heart so suddenly is a profound tragedy for all of our education community.”

Originally from Mexico City, Casares earned her Master of Arts in Spanish pedagogy from Brigham Young University. She also received the 2025 Utah Coalition for Educational Technology’s Innovative Teacher award.

Casares acknowledged her roots during her Sept. 3 acceptance speech.

“I know some of you may struggle with students coming from other countries and not knowing the language — and it is hard,” Casares said. “I was a student once, and I had to learn the language.”

“But this,” she continued, referring to the award she just received, “this means that your work is worth it. We can do great things, and we can help our students become the best they can be.”

Casares will remain a “lasting” part of Moroni Elementary School and the North Sanpete School District, officials wrote in their Facebook post.

“We will miss her warmth, her energy, her kindness, and the unique light she brought to our school each day,” the post read.

Grief counseling was made available Tuesday to staff and students at Moroni Elementary, North Sanpete Middle School and North Sanpete High School, according to the post.

“In this difficult time, it is crucial that we offer our children and staff the support they need,” district officials said. “We understand that this loss may raise a multitude of emotions and questions among her students, both past and present, and colleagues.”

A list of surviving family members was not immediately available. Plans for memorial services have not yet been announced.