Oklahoma schools chief to lead Teacher Freedom Alliance, vows to wage war on teachers unions
Walters steps down to become CEO of a conservative advocacy group; plans Turning Point USA chapters in every Oklahoma high school and a broader push to mount opposition to teachers unions.
Oklahoma state Superintendent Ryan Walters announced on Wednesday night that he is resigning to become chief executive officer of the Teacher Freedom Alliance, a national conservative group focused on reducing teachers unions' influence in public education. Walters disclosed the move during a Fox News appearance and confirmed the plan in a Thursday post on X.
Walters is set to start his new job on Oct. 1, according to a press release from the Teacher Freedom Alliance. In a conversation with Fox News Digital, he tied the move to his view of politics in education, saying President Trump is returning power to the states and to Oklahoma families so they can shape schools.
Walters said the alliance's mission includes challenging what he calls a liberal woke agenda that has corrupted public education. He said the alliance will give educators real freedom and support without requiring them to abandon their values, framing the effort as a battle for the future of children.
The American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten criticized Walters' resignation, telling The Hill that Walters leaving is a good day for Oklahoma's kids and suggesting he failed to back teachers while in state office. Fox News Digital reached out to the AFT for comment.
Walters also announced a plan to establish Turning Point USA chapters at every high school in the state, saying there have been requests from all schools and that TPUSA would be invited to participate on every campus. He cited TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk as a source of inspiration for student involvement.
The notes indicate Walters has pursued other culture war education policies, including a push to place a Bible in every school, a proposal described as part of broader efforts to align schools with parental and community values.
Walters has positioned the move as a shift from state governance to a national advocacy role, arguing that empowering local families and teachers will improve schools. His start date of Oct. 1 gives Oklahoma time to adjust as the new arrangement takes shape, while observers note the move underscores the broader national debate over the role of unions and ideological groups in classrooms.
