A teacher recently honored as Utah’s Teacher of the Year died unexpectedly, the North Sanpete School District announced on Tuesday.
Talia Casares was a sixth-grade Spanish Dual Language Immersion teacher at Moroni Elementary School and received the Teacher of the Year award on Sept. 3. She was the first Teacher of the Year from North Sanpete School District, according to the school district’s Superintendent O’Dee Hansen.
On Monday, Casares experienced a medical episode where she became unresponsive and an ambulance had to be called, according to Hansen. There were no students present during the incident as responders attempted to revive Casares after staff members called for help.
Hansen said Casares’ death came as a complete shock after responders were unable to revive her during a time of celebration for the school.
“She’s just one of those softhearted, loving teachers who cared about her kids completely. They knew it, they felt it, the staff members loved working with her. They learn from each other,” Hansen said. “You know, you have this high - this moment of super celebration and then ... tragedy hits.”
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox posted condolences on X on Tuesday, saying: “Talia had a remarkable gift for helping students feel seen, valued, and capable. Her love for her students and belief in their potential left a lasting mark on Sanpete County and our entire state.”
“We are praying for her family, students, colleagues, and all who loved her,” the governor continued.
As an educator who came from Mexico, Casares was humble and kind and knew the value of speaking a second language, according to Hansen. She had a way of understanding those who face barriers, challenges and other obstacles when learning a new language.
The school district shared more about Casares on its Facebook page, saying she was from Mexico and made students feel seen and valued.
“Señora Casares was an amazing teacher; 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,” the school district said in a Facebook post. “She believed in her students and encouraged them to believe in themselves.”
Hansen said the school would support students and staff affected by her unexpected passing through school social workers and counselors. Grief counseling is available to those affected at Moroni Elementary, North Sanpete Middle School and North Sanpete High School on Tuesday and throughout the following days.
“In this difficult time, it is crucial that we offer our children and staff the support they need,” the school district said. “We understand that this loss may raise a multitude of emotions and questions among her students, both past and present, and colleagues.”
The school district gave its condolences to those affected by the loss.
“Thank you for your understanding and support as we grieve together as a school community,” the school district said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Señora Casares’s family, her students, her colleagues, and everyone whose life she touched. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.”
Contributing: Heather Peterson