Oklahoma schools chief Ryan Walters resigns to lead conservative Teacher Freedom Alliance

Oklahoma’s state schools superintendent, Ryan Walters, has announced his resignation from the post to become chief executive officer of the Teacher Freedom Alliance, a national conservative advocacy group that promotes alternatives to unionization for educators. Walters, 40, has been a lightning rod for clashes over religion in public schools since taking office in January 2023, drawing national attention for pushing religious content and symbolic items into classrooms. His move to lead a national advocacy group signals a shift from state-level policy fights to broader efforts aimed at reshaping education labor dynamics.

Walters’ tenure in Oklahoma has been defined by a sharp stance on religious instruction and school governance. In June 2024, he directed public schools in the state to teach the Bible, with an emphasis on the Ten Commandments, arguing that public schools should incorporate religious literacy into curricula. The directive sparked immediate debate about the proper role of religion in government-funded classrooms and drew pushback from district leaders, many of whom chose not to implement the measure. Earlier in the year, a proposal circulated in the Oklahoma Legislature to require all public schools to display the Ten Commandments; Walters supported the concept, while lawmakers ultimately rejected a funding request tied to his broader plan.

In a separate push tied to his broader philosophy of school choice and parental empowerment, Walters sought state funding for what he described as “Trump Bibles,” editions that would include copies of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence, the Pledge of Allegiance and patriotic songs. The request, which sought roughly $3 million for the project, never gained approval from lawmakers and became a flashpoint in the ongoing public-education policy debate in Oklahoma. The clash over religious materials underscored a recurring fault line between Walters and many district leaders who argued that such steps overstep constitutional boundaries and blur the line between church and state.

Walters’ tenure also included a contentious episode involving allegations that images of naked women appeared on a television screen in his office during a state Board of Education meeting. Walters denied the claims, calling them “categorically false,” and the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office declined to press charges after an investigation. The controversy added to a perception that Walters was a polarizing figure within Oklahoma politics, even as he maintained a high profile in conservative circles and media appearances.

Beyond these episodes, Walters pursued a long-term, nationwide optics strategy that sought to reframe education debates around a conservative, faith-friendly frame. In one of his final acts as superintendent, he announced plans to establish Turning Point USA chapters in every high school across Oklahoma. The move was billed as a way to cultivate student engagement with a conservative activism umbrella that had gained traction in a number of states. While Turning Point USA had faced its own internal challenges in recent years, Walters framed the effort as part of a broader push to present students with alternative viewpoints inside schools. The organization, however, has wrestled with internal and external pressures since its inception, and Walters’ emphasis on campus organizing underscored his commitment to expanding conservative student voices in Oklahoma classrooms.

The timing of Walters’ departure comes as the state faces ongoing debates about education policy and the proper balance between religion, patriotism and public schooling. Walters’ relationship with Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has been notably rocky at times, even though both men share a generally conservative political orientation. Public disagreements over issues such as verifying citizenship for school enrollment added to a sense that Walters often pressed for policy moves that clashed with the governor’s more incremental approach. With Walters exiting the post, observers will watch how the Stitt administration adapts to the vacuum of a high-profile, combative education chief and whether it will recalibrate its stance on the broader issues that defined Walters’ tenure.

Walters did not close the door to a run for Oklahoma governor in 2026, a possibility he acknowledged in early May during an interview with KOCO 5. He said he was focused on the current legislative session and the school year, but did not rule out conversations about a future candidacy when the political calendar permits. State law bars Governor Stitt from seeking a third term, and Walters’ name has surfaced in political chatter as a potential framework for a broader conservative campaign in the state. While Walters insisted his emphasis was on classrooms and student outcomes in the near term, his public profile and policy stance make him a recognized figure for supporters who favor a bold, faith-centered approach to education reform.

The Teacher Freedom Alliance welcomed Walters to its leadership, praising his efforts as a fight against what its organizers described as “the woke liberal union mob.” The group said Walters would lead a national movement centered on freedom and common sense, insisting that it would focus on empowering teachers and parents rather than backing top-down union power. The arrangement signals a notable shift for Walters, who will bring his combative, media-savvy approach to a national platform that seeks to influence school policy and labor dynamics across multiple states.

As Walters transitions to the national stage, Oklahoma educators and policymakers will track how his return to influence affects statewide policy conversations, from classroom instruction and governance to the role of religious content in public schools and the interplay between state directives and district autonomy. The move also raises questions about the future trajectory of education reform in Oklahoma, including whether the state will see renewed efforts to approve conservative-backed curricula and materials, or if a more cautious, center-right approach will prevail under the current administration. Walters’ successor as Oklahoma’s schools superintendent will also attract attention as school leaders, teachers, and parents assess how the state will balance constitutional considerations with community expectations in a political climate that remains intensely engaged on education issues.