Woman Was Named 'Teacher of the Year.' Just Months Later, She Is Accused of Sexually Abusing a Student By Charlotte Phillipp

A Louisiana educator, who was named “Teacher of the Year” just months ago, is now accused of sexually abusing a student.

According to local outlets KLFY, KPLC and KATC, 38-year-old Christie Oster was arrested on Wednesday, Jan. 28, and charged with indecent behavior with juveniles and carnal knowledge of a juvenile.

Lafayette Police told the outlets that the teacher is accused of “maintaining an inappropriate relationship with a former student.”

No further information about the case was immediately available.

Oster, an eighth-grade math teacher at Broussard Middle School in Lafayette, La., was selected as the 2025-26 Teacher of the Year in September 2025.

“Congratulations to our 2025-2026 BMS Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Christie Oster,” the school wrote in a since-deleted Facebook post, per KLFY.

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“At BMS, we are proud of ALL of our amazing teachers and staff who give so much each day to our students. These two educators have gone above and beyond, and we are so lucky to have their dedication, hard work, and passion as part of our school family,” the middle school continued.

A spokesperson for the Lafayette Parish School District told the outlets that Oster has been placed on leave following her arrest.

The Lafayette Police Department is still investigating the matter, the spokesperson added.

The school district did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for further information on Sunday, Feb. 1.

According to the Acadiana Advocate, carnal knowledge of a juvenile is defined as a person who is older than 17 having sexual intercourse with someone who is between 13 and 17 years old, and their age difference is more than four years.

Oster is now being held in the Lafayette Parish Jail on $50,000 bond, the outlets reported. If convicted, she faces up to 10 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.