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 e