Teacher accused of sleeping with her 17-year-old student

A Texas teacher has been arrested after she was accused of having a sexual relationship with her 17-year-old student.

Sarah Fowlkes was suspended from her role as science teacher at Lockhart High School after a school administrator blew the whistle on the alleged relationship.

The married 27-year-old later turned herself in to police and was taken to Caldwell County Jail. She has been charged with felony improper relationship between an educator and student. It was unclear whether she was still being held.

Police said they had spoken to a 17-year-old male student who had been in contact with Ms Fowlkes in person and by message. Their contact was said to be of a “sexual nature”, according to police.

On a page on the school website, Ms Fowlkes describes herself as having “very high expectations of myself as a teacher as well as of my students and I hope that this will be a formula for achievement.”

She added: “I want this to be an enjoyable year for all of my students but also a productive, challenging and encouraging year with success for everyone.”

Lockhart Independent School District (LISD) said Ms Fowlkes, who had taught at the school since October 2014, had been suspended and that notice of her conduct was being sent to the State Board for Educator Certification.

"Lockhart parents entrust their children to us every day, and it is something we do not take lightly," LISD superintendent Susan Bohn said in a statement.

"Student safety is the district's most important priority. As soon as we learned of the report, we acted swiftly to involve law enforcement and CPS to conduct a thorough investigation. The district does not and will not tolerate any improper communication or contact between a teacher and child."