A former student teacher in Connecticut accused of having a sexual relationship with a pupil told police that she “loved” him, officials said.

Tayler Ivy Boncal, 22, was charged with sexual assault Thursday after reports that she was involved with an 18-year-old student at Conard High School in West Hartford, according to the Hartford Courant.

Boncal, of Beacon Falls, allegedly met the teen in December while employed as a student teacher at the school. After she completed her fall student teaching stint, she remained on the faculty as an assistant track coach, the newspaper reported.

The teen told police that they began texting Dec. 13 after he asked for her phone number.

Authorities said Boncal invited the teen to her home on numerous occasions and they had sex.

“She stated that the victim was kind to her,” police said. “Boncal stated that she loved the victim and was emotional regarding her feelings for him.”

School officials announced Friday that the 22-year-old was removed from her coaching position, according to the Hartford Courant.

“As educators, we are entrusted to protect and educate all of our students and know there are certain boundaries that can never be crossed,” Principal Julio Duarte said in a letter Friday to parents. “Also, we will not tolerate any behavior that compromises the safety or well-being of our students.”