A Shoals middle school teacher was arrested over the weekend and is facing rape charges.

Investigators say 38-year-old, Amanda Watkins was caught by police in a sexual encounter with a fifteen-year-old male student.

Watkins is an 8th grade English teacher at Sheffield Junior High. The alleged encounter happened just off of Highway 43 in Muscle Shoals. Watkins has worked at Sheffield Junior High for about six years and is tenured with the school system.

Sheffield superintendent Dr. Richard Gardner said Watkins has not been suspended at this time. The school system wants to get a police report and more information before moving forward.

Sheffield City Schools are currently on holiday recess until January 5th. According to the Sheffield Jr. High School website, Watkins teaches 8th grade reading and language arts.

She is also the cheerleader sponsor. Watkins will be transferred to the Colbert County Jail Monday, where bail will be set.