A Colorado gym teacher allegedly preyed on a student’s mental health challenges to begin a sexual relationship, then stalked the student after they broke up, according to media reports.
Teresa Whalin, 28, an integrated wellness teacher at Ranch View Middle School in Highlands Ranch, south of Denver, reportedly began spending time with the victim – who is reportedly about 12 years her junior – to help with mental health and self-harm. She did not report the self-harm to authorities.
The relationship turned sexual in April 2023 and went on for one year, with encounters in locations including the school locker room bathroom and her home. The pair also spent time in her school office, and she reportedly drove the student to and from school without parental consent or knowledge.
She is also accused of sending the student nude images and asking that the relationship be kept secret so she wouldn’t get in trouble.
