Two Spartanburg teachers arrested for abusing students

Two teaching staff members from Spartanburg County School District 7 have been arrested for allegedly abusing special needs students. The incidents involved multiple witnesses and one was even recorded on video. Mary Dobbing, 44, worked at McCarthy Teszler School. She is accused of hitting a 17-year-old special needs student on the back of the head. This incident took place on February 17 and was reported immediately. The school resource officer investigated the matter, leading to Dobbing's arrest on March 15. She was released on bond the next day and has not been with the district since February 17. Elizabeth Wypych, 23, was a teacher's assistant at EP Todd Elementary. She faces charges for dragging a 4-year-old autistic student down the hallway by the wrist. This incident occurred on March 7 and was also reported to the school resource officer. Wypych was arrested on March 17 and released the same day. She had worked for the district since August 2024 but was no longer employed as of March 13. In South Carolina, charges of cruelty to children are classified as a misdemeanor. The punishment can include up to 30 days in jail or a fine of up to $200.