Two Teachers Arrested for Alleged Abuse of Special Needs Students

Empty classroom desks with concerned atmosphere

News Summary

In Spartanburg, two educators have been arrested for allegedly assaulting special needs students. Mary Simmons Dobbing, a special education teacher, is accused of striking a student, while Elizabeth Mae Wypych, a teacher’s aide, allegedly dragged a child down a hallway. These incidents have led to serious concerns about the safety of students in schools during investigations by the local sheriff’s office.

Two Educators Arrested in Spartanburg for Alleged Assaults on Special Needs Students

Spartanburg has recently seen a disturbing turn of events in its educational community, as two teachers from the same district have been arrested for allegedly abusing special needs students. These incidents have raised serious concern among parents and residents in the area.

The First Incident: Mary Simmons Dobbing’s Allegations

The first arrest occurred on March 15 when Mary Simmons Dobbing, a 44-year-old special education teacher, was taken into custody. Dobbing is accused of striking a 17-year-old special needs student in the head not just once, but twice. This altercation allegedly happened at the McCarthy-Teszler School, a place that serves around 230 special needs students, on February 17.

What’s particularly alarming is that several staff members witnessed this incident, and one staff member even recorded it on their phone. Dobbing, who has been working in Spartanburg County since 2019, has now been charged with two counts of cruelty to children. Following her arrest, she was released on a cash bond of $785. It’s a troubling situation that has left many in the community asking questions about safety in schools.

The Second Incident: Elizabeth Mae Wypych’s Actions

The second educator involved is Elizabeth Mae Wypych, a 23-year-old teacher’s aide. Wypych was arrested just two days later, on March 17, for an incident that occurred at EP Todd Elementary. The allegations against her include dragging a 4-year-old special needs student down a hallway by the wrist on March 7.

Wypych was in her very first year as a teacher assistant when this frightening incident happened. Once again, multiple staff members were witnesses to her actions, and Wypych later admitted to what she had done. Consequently, she was charged with cruelty to children as well and was released on a personal recognizance bond of $787. The community is in shock at the thought that someone so new to the profession could exhibit such behavior.

Immediate Actions Taken

Both cases were quickly reported to a school resource officer, leading to immediate investigations by the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office’s Special Victims Unit. The investigations have left many parents concerned about the safety and well-being of their children in the school environment. It’s essential that students, especially those with special needs, are treated with the utmost respect and care.

Consequences for the Educators

In light of these troubling events, both Dobbing and Wypych are no longer employed by Spartanburg District 7. The school district emphasizes its commitment to providing a safe educational environment for all students and takes such allegations very seriously.

In South Carolina, the charge of cruelty to children is classified as a misdemeanor, which can lead to penalties that include up to 30 days in jail or a fine reaching $200. These potential consequences raise the stakes for both educators and the community, as they navigate the fallout from these unfortunate incidents.

Community Reactions

The shocking nature of these events has sparked a wave of concern among parents and community members. Trust in educators is paramount, and incidents like these can shake that trust to its core. As investigations continue, many are hoping for transparency and action to ensure that all students, particularly those with special needs, are adequately protected.

As Spartanburg processes these events, it serves as a reminder to parents, teachers, and staff alike that vigilance is crucial in safeguarding the most vulnerable members of society.