Coahulla Creek High School, where the popular teacher no longer works. Source: Twitter

US high school teacher Elizabeth Scroggs, 32, was charged with sexual assault after a “sexual relationship” was uncovered between the teacher and an 18-year-old male student the Whitfield County police department said.

The relationship, which reportedly occurred just last month, was discovered by police after an anonymous phone call.

Elizabeth Scroggs, 32, has been charged and could face jail time. Pic: Whitfield County Sheriff’s Department Source: Supplied

The student is believed to be a willing participant, but was charged under laws prohibiting people with supervisory or disciplinary powers over another to have a sexual relationship with that person.

Scroggs was arrested and is being held at the Whitfield County jail in Georgia.

The popular teacher began her career in 2006 and had been teaching at Coahulla Creek High School since 2010.

She was a three-time nominee for a local teaching award, the Dalton Daily Citizen reports, and in 2010 won the county’s ‘Best of the Best’ award.

Superintendent for Whitfield County Schools Judy Gilreath said she was “shocked”.

“The teacher has a good reputation, has a good report with the students and was well thought of at the school,” she said.

“We don’t deal with this type of situation very often, if ever.”

Ms Scoggs is due to appear and could face jail time.

She has been suspended from all teaching duties.