Who is Ryan Walters? Oklahoma schools chief, former history teacher, and OU graduate resigns to lead conservative advocacy group

Ryan Walters, Oklahoma’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, has resigned to lead the Teacher Freedom Alliance, a conservative advocacy group focused on reducing the influence of teachers’ unions and promoting alternative education policies. Walters’ tenure was marked by controversy over religious instruction in public schools, including a proposal to fund “Trump Bibles” combining Scripture with patriotic symbols and founding documents.His policies sparked protests at the Oklahoma Capitol and drew criticism from teachers and parents. Many districts chose not to follow his directives, citing legal and constitutional concerns. His resignation shifts him from state leadership to national advocacy, leaving Oklahoma schools divided over his initiatives and the future direction of public education in the state.The Teacher Freedom Alliance promotes alternatives to teachers’ unions. Walters has positioned the organization as a counterweight to union influence in schools. His move marks a shift from state government to national-level advocacy on education and labor issues.Walters began his career as a high school history teacher at McAlester High School. He taught Advanced Placement and on-level history, US Government, and special education classes for eight years.He was named a finalist for Oklahoma Teacher of the Year in 2016 for his work in the classroom.Walters graduated from Harding University, where he completed teacher preparation. Reports linking him to the University of Oklahoma are incorrect.After leaving the classroom, Walters became executive director of Oklahoma Achieves, an organisation that aimed to strengthen connections between schools and businesses.In September 2020, he was appointed Oklahoma Secretary of Public Education, overseeing major state education agencies and coordinating education policy.In 2022, Walters ran for statewide office and was elected State Superintendent of Public Instruction. He took office in January 2023.Walters gained national attention for expanding religious content in public schools. In June 2024, he directed all Oklahoma public schools to teach the Bible, focusing on the Ten Commandments.A bill also resurfaced in the state legislature that would have required all schools to display the Ten Commandments. Many districts chose not to implement the directives.Walters requested $3 million in state funds to provide “Trump Bibles” for classrooms. The books combined the Bible with the US. Constitution, the Bill of Rights, the Declaration of Independence, the Pledge of Allegiance, and patriotic songs.Walters’ initiatives sparked protests at the Oklahoma Capitol. Demonstrators called for his impeachment and opposed book restrictions.Critics argued that he overstepped the authority of his office and challenged the separation of church and state. Teachers’ groups opposed his repeated efforts to weaken unions.Despite opposition, Walters continued his agenda and implemented policies in line with conservative education priorities.By joining the Teacher Freedom Alliance, Walters is leaving state office for a national platform. The organization focuses on teachers who wish to avoid union membership and promotes conservative education policies.His resignation leaves Oklahoma schools divided over his directives. The state has not named a successor.Walters’ career highlights the increasing politicisation of education policy. His tenure tested the limits of state authority over curricula, unions, and the role of religion in schools.His move to the Teacher Freedom Alliance signals continued involvement in national debates over public education, union influence, and conservative policy reforms.