Ryan Walters Resigns to Lead Teacher Freedom Alliance

Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters announced he will resign to become CEO of the Teacher Freedom Alliance, a newly formed conservative educators’ group, telling Fox News the move will take his fight against teachers’ unions national. Walters said his goal is to "destroy the teachers unions," and the group's website lists about 2,617 enrolled members. His tenure was marked by aggressive culture‑war initiatives — mandating Bible instruction in grades 5–12, pursuing "Trump Bibles" for classrooms, encouraging Turning Point USA chapters in high schools, circulating disputed 2020 election materials, tracking students' immigration status, and screening out‑of‑state teacher candidates — actions that have prompted multiple lawsuits and national scrutiny. The resignation comes amid controversies including a widely publicized office television incident, falling state education rankings, and sharp rebukes from Attorney General Gentner Drummond and Democratic leaders. Walters expects to step down in early October, and Gov. Kevin Stitt will appoint a successor to finish the term through January 2027.