Republican Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters announced his resignation to become CEO of the newly formed Teacher Freedom Alliance (TFA), effective October 1. Speaking to Fox News on Sept. 24, Walters said his new mission is clear: “We’re going to destroy the teachers’ unions.”
The TFA, which confirmed his appointment on social media, hailed him as a fearless leader against the “woke mob” and pledged to build a national movement focused on freedom and common sense.
Controversial Tenure in Oklahoma
Walters, elected in 2022, quickly became a polarizing figure in state education policy. Under his leadership:
- Oklahoma ranked 50th out of 51 states in education in a WalletHub July study, ahead only of New Mexico.
- He mandated that public schools include the Bible as instructional support for grades 5 through 12.
- The state’s Department of Education introduced new social studies standards that emphasized Christianity and incorporated discredited theories about the 2020 election.
Political and Cultural Moves
Walters often framed education as part of a broader cultural battle. Recent actions included:
- Calling for Turning Point USA chapters in every Oklahoma high school.
- Ordering schools to honor Charlie Kirk with a moment of silence following Kirk’s death on Sept. 10, and pledging to investigate schools that did not comply.
What Comes Next
Walters’ move to the Teacher Freedom Alliance signals a shift from state-level policymaking to a national conservative platform. His stated goal is to weaken teachers’ unions, which he accuses of undermining education through political influence.
Supporters see Walters as a defender of parental rights and conservative values in schools. Critics argue that his tenure left Oklahoma’s education system weaker while promoting ideology over student outcomes.
With his new role, Walters is expected to become an even more visible figure in national debates over education, unions, and cultural issues in America’s schools.
