Ryan Walters, Oklahoma’s state superintendent of public instruction, announced his resignation on September 27, 2023. He will take over as the chief executive of the Teacher Freedom Alliance, a nonprofit organization aimed at supporting conservative educators. Walters, a Republican, has gained attention for his controversial policies and comments during his tenure, including efforts to combat what he labeled “wokeness” in public schools.
Walters made his resignation public during an appearance on Fox News, where he expressed his intent to advance conservative educational principles. He stated, “We’re going to destroy the teachers unions,” asserting that these unions have corrupted educational standards through their financial influence.
Controversial Policies and Political Drama
Throughout his time in office, Walters has pursued a number of contentious initiatives. He sought to mandate the inclusion of the Bible in lesson plans for students in grades 5 through 12 and pushed for social studies teachers to promote theories surrounding the 2020 election. These proposals have sparked significant backlash and led to multiple lawsuits against him and the Oklahoma Department of Education.
Despite these controversies, Walters announced just days before his resignation that high schools in Oklahoma will host chapters of Turning Point USA, an organization founded by conservative activist Charlie Kirk to mobilize young Christian conservatives. He emphasized the need for students to engage in discussions about free speech and American values.
Walters previously served as Oklahoma Secretary of Education from September 2020 until April 2023, a position appointed by Gov. Kevin Stitt. His tenure has been marked by ongoing political drama and criticism, including remarks from Oklahoma Attorney General Genter Drummond, who stated, “It’s time for a State Superintendent of Public Instruction who will actually focus on quality instruction in our public schools.”
The Future of Oklahoma Education
The resignation of Walters raises questions about the future direction of education in Oklahoma. His approach has been characterized by a focus on culture-war issues and attempts to reshape the educational landscape in favor of conservative ideologies. As he transitions to the Teacher Freedom Alliance, it remains to be seen how his influence will evolve and what implications this will have for educators and students in the state.
With Oklahoma’s ranking in several educational metrics continuing to decline, many stakeholders are eager for a shift in focus towards improving academic outcomes. As the state prepares for a new leadership era, the emphasis on quality instruction and educational integrity will be under scrutiny.
