News
September 27, 2025
Walters to resign as Oklahoma state superintendent, announces position in national teacher group
OKLAHOMA CITY — State Superintendent Ryan Walters will resign from office with more than a year left in his term for a new position leading a conservative teacher organization, he announced Wednesday night while speaking live on FOX News.
Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters is stepping down from his position, announcing Wednesday night that he will be taking a leadership role at a national teacher organization. The announcement, made during a live appearance on FOX News, signals a significant shift in Oklahoma's education landscape and leaves the state searching for a new superintendent with over a year remaining in Walters' term.
Walters, whose tenure has been marked by controversy and a focus on conservative education reforms, did not specify the exact name of the organization during the broadcast. However, he described it as a group dedicated to promoting conservative values within the teaching profession across the country. This move comes as a surprise to many in Oklahoma, given Walters' relatively short time in office and his stated commitment to improving the state's education system.
The resignation will trigger a process for selecting a replacement, details of which are yet to be fully clarified. It is expected that the Governor will play a key role in determining who will lead the state's education department for the remainder of the term. The selection process will likely be closely watched by educators, parents, and political observers alike, as the next superintendent will inherit a complex set of challenges and opportunities.
During his time as superintendent, Walters championed policies focused on school choice, parental rights, and curriculum transparency. He also faced criticism for his handling of teacher shortages and funding issues within the state's public school system. His departure raises questions about the future direction of education policy in Oklahoma and whether the state will continue on its current trajectory.
The announcement has already sparked reaction from various stakeholders. Teacher unions have expressed cautious optimism, hoping for a superintendent who will prioritize collaboration and support for educators. Meanwhile, conservative groups have lauded Walters' efforts and expressed confidence that his successor will uphold similar values. The coming weeks will be crucial as Oklahoma navigates this transition and seeks to ensure stability and progress in its education system. Walters is expected to release a formal statement in the coming days, providing more details about his new role and his reasons for leaving the state superintendent position.
Walters, whose tenure has been marked by controversy and a focus on conservative education reforms, did not specify the exact name of the organization during the broadcast. However, he described it as a group dedicated to promoting conservative values within the teaching profession across the country. This move comes as a surprise to many in Oklahoma, given Walters' relatively short time in office and his stated commitment to improving the state's education system.
The resignation will trigger a process for selecting a replacement, details of which are yet to be fully clarified. It is expected that the Governor will play a key role in determining who will lead the state's education department for the remainder of the term. The selection process will likely be closely watched by educators, parents, and political observers alike, as the next superintendent will inherit a complex set of challenges and opportunities.
During his time as superintendent, Walters championed policies focused on school choice, parental rights, and curriculum transparency. He also faced criticism for his handling of teacher shortages and funding issues within the state's public school system. His departure raises questions about the future direction of education policy in Oklahoma and whether the state will continue on its current trajectory.
The announcement has already sparked reaction from various stakeholders. Teacher unions have expressed cautious optimism, hoping for a superintendent who will prioritize collaboration and support for educators. Meanwhile, conservative groups have lauded Walters' efforts and expressed confidence that his successor will uphold similar values. The coming weeks will be crucial as Oklahoma navigates this transition and seeks to ensure stability and progress in its education system. Walters is expected to release a formal statement in the coming days, providing more details about his new role and his reasons for leaving the state superintendent position.
Category:
Politics