Oklahoma State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters has announced he is resigning from his position. He will transition to a national leadership role as the head of the Teacher Freedom Alliance, an organization he has described as an alternative to traditional teachers' unions.
Key Takeaways
- Ryan Walters is stepping down as Oklahoma's State Superintendent to lead the national Teacher Freedom Alliance.
- The move has drawn mixed reactions, with Republicans offering well wishes and Democrats expressing relief.
- Governor Kevin Stitt is now responsible for appointing a successor to fill the state's top education post.
- The new appointee must be at least 31 years old and a registered Oklahoma voter for a minimum of 10 years.
Walters to Lead Teacher Freedom Alliance
Ryan Walters will take on a new role leading the Teacher Freedom Alliance, a national group positioned as a conservative alternative to established teachers' unions. Walters is scheduled to begin his new position on October 1, though an official date for his departure from the Oklahoma State Department of Education has not been publicly announced.
His involvement with the organization is not new. Walters spoke at the group's summit last year, where he voiced strong criticism of teachers' unions and their influence on education policy.
"If we don't get the teachers' unions out of the way, we're never going to be able to enact the great policies we know can empower great teaching," Walters said during the summit.
The Teacher Freedom Alliance aims to provide a platform for educators who feel unrepresented by existing union structures, focusing on principles that Walters has championed during his tenure as superintendent.
What is the Teacher Freedom Alliance?
The Teacher Freedom Alliance presents itself as a grassroots organization for educators seeking an alternative to what it terms "woke teachers' unions." Its platform generally aligns with conservative education reform principles, emphasizing parental rights, school choice, and curriculum transparency while opposing union-led political activities.
Political Reactions Vary Across Oklahoma
The announcement of Walters' resignation prompted a wide spectrum of responses from state and federal lawmakers, as well as education and parent advocacy groups. The reactions highlight the deep political divisions surrounding his leadership in Oklahoma.
Support and Neutrality from Republicans
Republicans in the state have generally offered neutral or supportive comments. U.S. Senator James Lankford noted that he had not yet spoken with Walters but understood the superintendent had informed the governor in advance.
"My understanding is he did contact the governor ahead of time, gave him a little heads up," Lankford stated. "Governor will have a chance to appoint someone to that position. Oklahomans will be able to speak out."
The advocacy group Moms for Liberty Oklahoma released a statement praising Walters' tenure. "We appreciate the steps Ryan Walters took to challenge the status quo and recognize parents as key voices in education," the group said.
Criticism from Democrats and Teacher Associations
Democrats and teacher organizations expressed strong disapproval of Walters' time in office and relief at his departure. John Waldron, Chair of the Oklahoma Democratic Party, was pointed in his criticism.
"Under his watch, we've fallen to 50th in education. I've watched Superintendent Walters use his office as a bully pulpit for his own personal ambition," Waldron said.
Shawna Mott Wright of the Tulsa Classroom Teachers Association said the resignation was not a surprise. While she was pleased with the news, she noted that the focus now shifts to who will be appointed next. She also commented on the nature of his new role.
"It is ironic that he's now leading a group of teachers that's grassroots," Mott Wright remarked, highlighting a perceived contrast between his past actions and the mission of his new organization.
A Contentious Tenure
Ryan Walters' time as State Superintendent was marked by frequent controversy over policies related to curriculum, school accreditation, and the role of religion in public schools. His actions often placed him at odds with traditional education groups and Democratic lawmakers, while earning him praise from conservative and parental rights advocates.
The Process for a New Superintendent
With Walters' departure, the responsibility of selecting Oklahoma's next superintendent falls to Governor Kevin Stitt. The governor will appoint an individual to serve out the remainder of the term.
There are specific legal requirements for any candidate considered for the position. According to state law, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 31 years of age.
- Have been a registered voter in Oklahoma for at least the preceding 10 years.
Governor Stitt's office has not yet provided a timeline for the appointment, but the process will be closely watched by stakeholders across the state's education system.
Uncertainty and Transition at Education Department
The transition comes amid reports that some members of the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) Board were not aware of the resignation ahead of the public announcement. This suggests an abrupt change that could create a period of uncertainty within the department.
As the state awaits the appointment of a new leader, educators and administrators are left to wonder about the future direction of Oklahoma's education policy. The governor's choice will signal whether the state will continue on the path set by Walters or move in a new direction.
The coming weeks will be critical as the governor's office vets potential candidates to lead an education system that serves hundreds of thousands of students across Oklahoma.
