Associated Press - October 16, 2009 5:24 PM ET

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (AP) - An eastern Idaho middle school teacher has pleaded guilty to having sexual encounters with a 14-year-old student.

Twenty-8-year-old Kari Jo Atkinson pleaded guilty Wednesday in 7th District Court to two felony counts of lewd conduct with a child younger than 16.

The court dismissed an additional three counts of lewd conduct as part of a plea deal.

Atkinson is on paid administrative leave from her job as a physical education teacher at Sandcreek Middle School. District officials have declined to comment on the case.

Atkinson's sentencing is set for Dec. 17. The charge carries a maximum penalty of life in prison.

Atkinson will be required register as a sex offender.

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