Gym Teacher Arrested for Year-Long Sexual Relationship with Student

On November 10, 2025, detectives with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office arrested 28-year-old Teresa Whalin, a gym teacher at Ranch View Middle School in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Whalin was charged with multiple offenses, including sexual assault on a child.

According to the arrest affidavit, Whalin admitted to having a sexual relationship with a student that spanned over a year. The relationship began in April 2024 when the student, who was struggling with mental health and self-harm, sought support from Whalin. Over the course of the next year, the two reportedly engaged in sexual intercourse at various locations, including the school's locker room bathroom and Whalin's home.

Whalin allegedly told the student not to reveal their relationship to avoid getting in trouble. She also began driving the student to and from school, with the student's parents unaware of the situation. The relationship reportedly ended when the student became interested in dating someone else.

After the breakup, Whalin struggled and drove near the student's home and their walking path to school on multiple occasions, causing the student fear. Whalin admitted to putting the student under surveillance and told detectives that she repeatedly went near the student's home to catch a "glimpse" of them.

The school district was notified and is cooperating with the ongoing investigation. Whalin is currently being held at the Douglas County Detention Facility on a $50,000 bond.