Oklahoma state Superintendent Ryan Walters has announced his departure from his position to take on a new role as the CEO of the Teacher Freedom Alliance, a group that advocates for the rights of educators and opposes what it describes as the negative influence of teachers’ unions. In a post on X, Walters stated, "We’re going to destroy the teachers unions and take back our schools," emphasizing his belief that unions have undermined the quality of education in the state.
In his new capacity, Walters aims to provide teachers with greater freedom, arguing that they have been oppressed by what he calls a liberal agenda corrupting public education. This stance is part of a broader ideological movement that Walters has long supported, including his advocacy for school choice and limited government. His new position sees him leading efforts to counter what he and his organization describe as the influence of liberal forces in education.
Walters’ departure from his role as Oklahoma’s Superintendent was also marked by the announcement of a plan to expand Turning Point USA chapters to every high school in the state. This initiative reflects his broader approach to education and youth empowerment, which is part of a larger conservative movement that emphasizes national security, traditional values, and limited government. The move is seen as a strategic attempt to influence public opinion and policy across the country, as Walters seeks to expand his influence beyond Oklahoma.
The Teacher Freedom Alliance has garnered support from various conservative groups, with Walters positioning himself as a champion of educational freedom. However, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), a major educators’ union, has criticized his approach as divisive and harmful to students. The AFT has pointed out that Walters’ tenure in Oklahoma was marked by a lack of support for teachers, arguing that his policies failed to protect educators from the negative impacts of the union’s influence. Despite this, Walters remains committed to his vision of educational reform, which he believes is essential for the future of American schools.
Walters’ continued advocacy for policies that promote gender segregation in sports has also drawn attention, as he believes these measures are beneficial for female athletes. This stance, along with his views on education and public policy, reflects the broader conservative ideology he represents. As he moves forward in his new role with the Teacher Freedom Alliance, Walters is expected to continue pushing for policies that align with his vision of limited government and educational freedom, further solidifying his position within the conservative movement.