Known to many of you as Dorthy McCarty, Dorthy Wagner has spent her career doing what she does best, teaching and caring for young children. Her professional journey began in early childhood education, working in a private preschool before opening and operating her own preschool in her hometown of Ridgway, Colorado. She later served as a paraprofessional with the Meeker School District, continuing to build her experience supporting students and classrooms.
In 2014, Dorthy joined Rangely School District RE-4 as a lead preschool teacher for Rio Blanco County BOCES. Over the years, she has been a steady, trusted presence in early education, known for her patience, warmth, and commitment to helping young learners feel safe, supported, and excited about school.
At the beginning of this school year, Dorthy transitioned into a first-grade teaching position at Parkview Elementary. That move has been a natural extension of her strengths and experience. She values being part of those early “aha” moments as students explore new ideas, make connections, and begin to see themselves as confident learners. Dorthy believes that a teacher’s enthusiasm and genuine care set the tone for a child’s love of learning.
She also understands that education at this age is very much a partnership. Dorthy has long emphasized the importance of working alongside families and caregivers, helping them understand how critical these early years are, not just academically, but socially and emotionally as well. As she often says, teaching is a team effort involving the family, the school, the community, and the child.
Dorthy earned her bachelor’s degree in Child Psychology and Elementary Education from Western State College in Gunnison in 2003. Outside of school, she treasures time with her family at their country home. Becoming a mother has been one of the most rewarding experiences of her life, and with brothers who have served in the United States Marine Corps, she also holds a deep respect and appreciation for wounded and paralyzed veterans.
We are grateful for Dorthy’s many years of service to our district and are excited to see the continued impact she is making with our youngest students at Parkview Elementary.