Tebogo Marothodi, of Frikkie Smidt Primary, in Skeerpoort, Brits, faced a disciplinary hearing last week for assaulting Grade1 pupil Benjamin Amogelang Nakedi because he was rowdy in class last year.
North West department of education spokesman Paul Ntlatleng said Marothodi pleaded guilty to the assault charge.
"Because she showed remorse her sanction was a month's salary. The disciplinary committee decided that the fine should be deducted in two instalments from the end of this month."
Benjamin spent a week in hospital and he underwent two operations to remove a wood chip embedded in his right thumb.
"She ordered us to put our fingertips together and she beat us five times each with the duster on the right fingertips. It was painful. At home it was my turn to wash the dishes but I could not do it because of the pain in my thumb. I went to bed still in pain and in the morning the whole thumb was swollen," he said.
He was treated at Brits Hospital on June 8 and referred to Dr George Mukhari Hospital in Ga-Rankuwa for specialised care.
It is not over yet for Marothodi: she still faces a criminal charge of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm in the Brits Magistrate's Court.
The Nakedi family has also filed a civil claim against the education department for R300000 in damages for hospital expenses, pain and suffering.
Benjamin's sister, Nozindlela, 22, said the family borrowed money from neighbours and friends to take him to hospital.
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