Oklahoma’s Ryan Walters Resigns to Lead Conservative Educators Group
Ryan Walters, Oklahoma’s state superintendent of public instruction, announced his resignation on September 27, 2023, to take the helm of the Teacher Freedom Alliance, a nonprofit organization aimed at supporting conservative educational values. Walters, a prominent figure in Republican circles, made the announcement during a segment on Fox News.
In his new role, Walters plans to focus on promoting what he describes as a mission to cultivate “free, moral, and upright American citizens.” His departure follows a tenure marked by controversial initiatives, including efforts to combat what he terms “wokeness” in public education. Walters expressed his intention to establish a chapter of Turning Point USA in every Oklahoma high school, a move aimed at engaging youth in discussions centered on American values and free speech.
Walters, 40, has been a vocal critic of teachers’ unions, claiming they have corrupted educational environments. “We’re going to destroy the teachers unions,” he declared during his Fox News appearance. His administration has faced criticism for its focus on integrating religious content into public school curricula, including a mandate for teachers to incorporate the Bible into lesson plans for students in grades five through twelve.
His tenure has not been without controversy. Walters has attempted to implement policies requiring social studies educators to promote specific narratives about the 2020 election and to monitor the immigration status of students. He also proposed a requirement for teacher job applicants from states like California and New York to pass a screening exam aimed at identifying “radical leftist ideology.” These initiatives led to multiple legal challenges, raising questions about their legality and effectiveness.
Despite his assertive stance on educational reform, Oklahoma has seen a decline in national rankings across various educational metrics during Walters’ time in office. Oklahoma Attorney General Genter Drummond criticized Walters’ leadership, stating, “It’s time for a State Superintendent of Public Instruction who will actually focus on quality instruction in our public schools.” Drummond, a Republican and prospective gubernatorial candidate for 2026, emphasized the need for a shift towards prioritizing education quality over political drama.
Walters previously served as Oklahoma Secretary of Education from September 2020 until April 2023, a position to which he was appointed by Governor Kevin Stitt. His term has been characterized by a series of controversies, sparking a debate over the direction of education in the state.
The announcement of Turning Point USA chapters in high schools is seen as part of a broader strategy to mobilize young conservatives, especially following a significant increase in interest in the organization after the recent high-profile death of its founder, Charlie Kirk, on September 10, 2023. Walters’ commitment to these initiatives reflects a continued alignment with conservative educational principles, as he transitions to his new leadership role at the Teacher Freedom Alliance.
