A teacher from Elk Island Catholic School Division, east of Edmonton, faces six sex charges in relation to a female student.

Brett Daniel Mittlesteadt, 32, is charged with sexual interference, sexual exploitation, invitation to sexual touching, child luring, committing a sexual offence against a child and sexual assault.

He was on the staff of Holy Redeemer Catholic School in Ardrossan.

The district says Middlesteadt is suspended from teaching and no longer has access to students.

Michael Haupman, superintendent of Elk Island Catholic Schools, said Middlesteadt has taught with the district since 2004.

Hauptman knows the accused and calls news of the charges deeply upsetting.

“As with all of our staff, it's gut wrenching," he said. "I mean these are people that are part of our family. I know the staff in this community and it doesn't matter who it would be, I would feel the same way."

RCMP say the offences are alleged to have occurred between March 2013 and September 2014. A complaint was laid against Middlesteadt on Monday after the complainant came forward to a female teacher.

Michael Haupman, superintendent of Elk Island Catholic Schools, said Middlesteadt has taught with the district since 2004.