A teacher accused of slapping a student will likely lose her job.

Anson County Superintendent Greg Firn suspended teacher Pat Frost without pay Thursday and recommended her dismissal.

Frost has been on paid leave since June 30, when administrators said she slapped an 18-year-old student after she asked him to pull up his pants.

Frost, who spoke to Eyewitness News for the first time Friday, said the student cursed at her and pushed her before the slap, causing her to fear for her own safety.

"This whole thing is not about me and a job. This whole thing, as far as I'm concerned, is about safety in schools and teachers feeling safe at school," Frost said.

The student, Jonathan Smith, is facing charges of sexual battery and kidnapping after police said he grabbed a female student in February, pushed her up a locker at Anson High School and forced her to touch his genital area.

Smith goes to trial on those charges in December, and Frost and her lawyer questioned why Smith was allowed back in school after the alleged incident.

Frost taught at the district for 13 years and is a decorated Army veteran.

Frost and her lawyer said they plan to fight the district's decision.