Erica DePalo, "Teacher of the Year," accused of having sexual relationship with student at NJ school

(CBS/AP) NEWARK, N.J. - A New Jersey teacher who had been named 2011's "Teacher of the Year" at the high school where she taught was in court Wednesday answering charges that she had sex with a 15-year-old boy in her honors English class.

Pictures: Notorious teacher sex scandals

Erica DePalo's attorney, Anthony Alfano, entered a not guilty plea on her behalf during a hearing in Superior Court in Newark. DePalo, 33, is facing aggravated sexual assault, sexual assault and child endangerment charges. Prosecutors said she carried

on a "sexual relationship" with her student from June 2012 until just recently, according to court documents.

DePalo was arrested on Aug. 31, but remains free on $100,000 bail. She is due back in court on Oct. 22.

School officials said DePalo is indefinitely suspended from teaching English at West Orange High School, where she was a teacher for nearly a decade.