Ryan Walters, the state superintendent of public instruction in Oklahoma, has announced his resignation to become the chief executive of the Teacher Freedom Alliance, a nonprofit organization aimed at promoting conservative educational values. During a segment on Fox News on the evening of October 11, 2023, Walters stated that he would be stepping down from his role to lead the group, which claims to assist educators in nurturing “free, moral, and upright American citizens.”
Walters, who has been a prominent figure in the state’s education landscape, has actively advocated for conservative principles within public schools. He previously gained attention for his initiatives to establish a Turning Point USA chapter in every high school, aiming to combat what he termed “wokeness” in education. The organization, founded by activist Charlie Kirk, focuses on mobilizing young, Christian conservatives and has reportedly seen increased interest since Kirk’s recent tragic death on September 10, 2023.
In his tenure, Walters has implemented controversial policies, including a mandate for teachers to incorporate the Bible into lesson plans for students in grades five through twelve. He has also proposed requiring social studies educators to promote theories regarding the 2020 election and to track the immigration status of students. Additionally, he sought to impose a screening exam for prospective teachers from states like California and New York to filter out what he referred to as “radical leftist ideology.”
These initiatives have sparked legal challenges and criticism, particularly as Oklahoma’s national rankings in educational metrics have declined under his leadership. The state’s attorney general, Genter Drummond, remarked on the political turbulence Walters has brought to the role, stating, “We have witnessed a stream of never-ending scandal and political drama.” Drummond emphasized the need for a state superintendent who prioritizes quality instruction in Oklahoma’s public schools.
On the day prior to his resignation announcement, Walters revealed plans for the establishment of Turning Point USA chapters in Oklahoma high schools. He expressed that parents, teachers, and students desire engagement in discussions centered around free speech and American values.
Walters previously served as the Oklahoma Secretary of Education, a position he held from September 2020 until April 2023, after being appointed by Governor Kevin Stitt. His transition to leading the Teacher Freedom Alliance marks a significant shift in his career, as he aims to continue promoting his conservative educational agenda outside the government.
As he steps into this new role, the implications of his departure will likely resonate within Oklahoma’s educational system, prompting discussions about the future direction of public education in the state.
