Two Teachers Arrested for Assaulting Students in Spartanburg

Categories: Breaking NewsCrimeGovernment NewsNews

Concerned parents and community members discuss school safety after teacher arrests in Spartanburg.

News Summary

In a disturbing incident in Spartanburg, two former teachers were arrested for allegedly assaulting students with special needs. Mary Simmons Dobbing, 44, and Elizabeth Mae Wypych, 23, face charges of cruelty to children, shocking the local community and raising concerns over student safety in schools.

Shocking Events in Spartanburg: Two Teachers Arrested for Assaulting Students

In a troubling turn of events, the peaceful city of Spartanburg, within Spartanburg County, has seen two former teachers from the local school district face serious charges for allegedly mistreating special needs students. This shocking news has left parents and community members both upset and bewildered.

A Closer Look at the Incidents

The first teacher, Mary Simmons Dobbing, aged 44 and hailing from nearby Woodruff, has been accused of striking a 17-year-old special needs student in the head—not once, but twice! This unfortunate incident took place on February 17 at the McCarthy-Teszler School, a dedicated facility for students with special needs within Spartanburg.

Witnesses, including several staff members, were present during the event, with one even taking the step to record the troubling behavior. This kind of witness account was crucial in bringing the matter to light. Dobbing was apprehended on March 15 and was released the following day on a surety bond of $785. Interestingly, she is bound by the conditions of her release, which include not contacting the victim or the victim’s family.

Meanwhile, the second teacher, Elizabeth Mae Wypych, who is much younger at just 23 years old, is facing her own allegations. She reportedly dragged a 4-year-old student with autism down a hallway by their wrist at EP Todd Elementary on March 7. This incident, too, raised eyebrows and sparked outrage among parents and guardians.

Interestingly, Wypych confessed to her actions later that same day. She was arrested on March 17 and managed to be released shortly thereafter, posting a bond of $787.

Employment Status and Community Response

Both teachers are no longer part of the Spartanburg County School District 7. Dobbing, who had been with the district since 2019, and Wypych, who was hired just a few months ago in August 2024, have faced termination following these incidents. Wypych was officially let go on March 13, just days before her arrest.

In the wake of these alarming events, the Spartanburg County School District 7 confirmed that both educators were terminated but has chosen not to comment any further regarding the specifics of the incidents. Understandably, parents and community members are expressing their concern and frustration, calling for more stringent measures and accountability when it comes to the care of special needs students.

Understanding the Legal Implications

Both Dobbing and Wypych are being charged with cruelty to children, a misdemeanor in South Carolina. This classification can lead to a maximum of 30 days in jail or a fine of $200. While these penalties may seem minimal considering the seriousness of the incidents, it underscores the community’s call for tougher regulations to protect vulnerable students.

As the legal process unfolds, many within the Spartanburg community are left wondering how such incidents could occur, especially in educational environments that are meant to be safe havens for all children, particularly those with special needs. The hope now is that the community can come together to ensure that proper care and respect for all students become top priorities in the schools.

As more details emerge, it’s clear that the local education system will need to address these issues head-on to restore trust among parents, students, and educators alike. Let’s hope that the future brings a safer environment for all students at Spartanburg schools.