Ryan Walters Steps Down as Oklahoma Schools Chief to Lead Conservative Educators Organization

Ryan Walters, the Republican state superintendent of public instruction in Oklahoma, has announced his resignation to take the role of CEO at the Teacher Freedom Alliance, a nonprofit focused on supporting conservative educators. In his announcement, Walters emphasized his commitment to combating what he termed 'wokeness' in the educational system, a mission closely aligned with his previous initiatives in office.

During his tenure, Walters was known for his strong alignment with conservative values, including his support for initiatives to establish Turning Point USA chapters in high schools across Oklahoma. He has been vocal in his criticism of teachers' unions, asserting that they misuse power and resources to influence educational policies negatively. On a recent appearance on Fox News, he stated, 'We're going to destroy the teachers unions,' highlighting his resolve to reshape the educational landscape in line with conservative ideals.

Walters' approach has included pushing for the integration of religious teachings in public school curricula, mandating that educators include biblical references in lessons for students in grades five through twelve. He has also sought to influence social studies education by promoting narratives concerning the 2020 election and scrutinizing the immigration status of students, further emphasizing a shift towards conservative educational standards.

Despite his strong advocacy for these measures, Walters faced substantial legal challenges and criticism during his time in office. Many of his policies sparked lawsuits, and Oklahoma's performance in various educational metrics has reportedly declined under his administration. This has raised concerns about the overall impact of his leadership on the state's public education system.

In a recent announcement, Walters expressed that he believes parents, teachers, and students desire a more engaged discourse about American values and free speech within educational settings. His departure from the superintendent role comes on the heels of his announcement regarding the establishment of Turning Point USA chapters in high schools, reflecting his commitment to mobilizing young conservatives.

Walters previously served as Oklahoma's Secretary of Education from September 2020 until April 2023, a position to which he was appointed by Governor Kevin Stitt. His tenure has been characterized by a series of controversies and political disputes, prompting calls for a more focused approach to education from state officials, including Oklahoma Attorney General Genter Drummond, who has criticized the ongoing distractions from educational priorities.

As Walters transitions to his new role with the Teacher Freedom Alliance, it remains to be seen how his initiatives will reshape the conversation around education and the influence of conservative values in Oklahoma schools.