US teacher filmed repeatedly beating student during class

A US teacher has been arrested after footage surfaced of her repeatedly hitting a student during class.

Texas' Ozen High School geometry teacher Mary A Hastings, 63, was caught on camera ruthlessly striking a student five times in quick succession in front of stunned students.

When the student asked what he did to deserve the beating, an exasperated Hastings shouts: "Because you're stopping him from graduating you idiot".

Beaumont Independent School District spokeswoman Nakisha Burns said the school "does not condone employees abusing any child and will not tolerate such conduct".

"The teacher was immediately removed from the classroom and placed on administrative leave pending action on her contract."

CBS reports Hastings was charged on a misdemeanour count of assault.

She had taught in the school district for three years.

Hastings was booked into the Jefferson County jail and posted $2,500 bond.