Oklahoma Superintendent Ryan Walters has announced his resignation from his role overseeing the state’s schools to take on the position of CEO at the conservative organization Teacher Freedom Alliance. In a statement made during an appearance on “Fox News @ Night,” Walters declared a mission to “destroy the teachers unions,” outlining his commitment to fostering a grassroots movement against what he perceives as the corrupting influence of teachers’ unions in the educational system.
Walters, a Republican known for his controversial views on educational matters—including his efforts to integrate teachings on the Bible into public schools—has encountered considerable scrutiny during his tenure. He reflected on his experience, asserting that teachers’ unions have utilized both monetary and political power to undermine the integrity of schools. “We are one of the biggest grassroots organizations in the country. We will build an army of teachers to defeat the teachers union once and for all,” he stated.
In a swift response, Oklahoma’s Attorney General Gentner Drummond criticized Walters’ leadership, characterizing it as fraught with “a stream of never-ending scandal and political drama.” Drummond argued that Oklahoma requires a superintendent who is genuinely committed to enhancing the quality of education rather than embroiling schools in controversy.
Randi Weingarten, the president of the American Federation of Teachers, voiced support for Walters’ departure, claiming it represents a positive change for Oklahoma’s children. With his actions often labeled as divisive, she noted that a focus on supporting teachers is essential for effective education.
Throughout his time as the state’s chief education official, Walters has ignited debates over several of his proposals, including mandating the inclusion of the Bible in school curricula and establishing requirements for families to prove U.S. citizenship during school enrollment. Most recently, he announced a partnership with Turning Point USA, expressing his intent to challenge what he calls “woke indoctrination” in classrooms.
Walters took office in January 2023 with a platform that included calls for prayer in schools and displaying the Ten Commandments in classroom settings. He has been a vocal advocate for what he believes to be a return of religious values to educational institutions, dismissing the concept of separation of church and state as a “myth.”
While his tenure has been marred by allegations and controversy—including an investigation into an incident involving inappropriate images during a Board of Education meeting—Walters remains resolute in his stance against perceived educational threats. Although he did not clarify the timeline for his transition away from the superintendent role, his new position at Teacher Freedom Alliance marks a significant shift in his career and approach to education policy in Oklahoma.
Walters’ resignation opens the door for potential changes in the educational landscape of Oklahoma, as the next state superintendent may adopt a very different approach to managing the challenges facing public education today.