EL CAJON, Calif. -- A former teacher learned his punishment Monday for sending lewd and inappropriate text messages to a student, 10News reported.

Evan Stecklair, a former Foothills Christian High School teacher and church leader, was ordered by a judge to register as a sex offender for life and spend 180 days in a work furlough program. The judge said what Stecklair did was unacceptable and shocking.

Family and friends of 17-year-old Nichole Stiles surrounded her in an El Cajon courtroom as she watched Stecklair receive his punishment. Stiles said she received inappropriate messages from Stecklair.

Stiles told 10News she accepted the punishment handed to her former teacher. As part of Stecklair's work furlough program, he will have to work all day and report to a supervised dormitory living area at night. He is not allowed to go anywhere else, and any fees come out of his own pocket.

"The judge said, 'I don't want the county to pay for your mistake,' so it is justice," said one of Stiles' friends.

Although Stiles stood up and reported her teacher, she said she and her friends are treated like outcasts.

"People look at us differently ... like when we go to church … it's not the same," said Breanna Lambert, a friend of the victim.

In court Monday, prosecutors revealed more about what kind of text messages Stecklair sent the victim. According to prosecutors, one read: "I wish you were naked and sitting on my lap." Another message had Stecklair asking the girl to take a picture of herself in the shower. In one message, Stecklair asked his victim what she would do if he ripped her clothes off.

"The judge seems physically upset, and you could tell by his demeanor he was appalled," said friend Sharon Jenkins.

Prosecutors also said Stecklair continues to send text messages to young girls.

"I know some of the girls," said Jenkins

Jenkins admits the text messages she's heard about are innocent, but she agreed with prosecutors that it is inappropriate behavior.

Prosecutors asked that Stecklair not be allowed to communicate with young girls, but the judge said that was too broad of a request and hoped if anything crossed the line it would be reported.

The judge said Stecklair must start his work furlough program the middle of this month.

Stecklair's attorney would not reveal what his client does for work now.