By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Oklahoma will require teachers from New York and California to pass a new “America First” certification test, designed to ensure educators align with the state’s conservative values. The test will evaluate knowledge of American history, including controversial claims about the 2020 election, and adherence to Oklahoma’s stance on issues like gender identity. State Superintendent Ryan Walters stated the test’s purpose is to prevent the “indoctrination” of students. Teacher unions have criticized the move, arguing it will deter qualified educators and exacerbate existing teacher shortages.
Read the original article here
Oklahoma, leading with a reputation for a struggling educational system, is now setting its sights on who gets to shape young minds within its borders. The move to require teachers from New York and California to pass a certification test proving their allegiance to “America First” is certainly drawing a lot of attention, and not much of it positive. It begs the question: why are they being so particular about who they hire? And more importantly, who exactly are they expecting to come knocking?
The immediate reaction is a mix of bewilderment and amusement. Many find the entire concept, and the implementation of an ideological test, to be questionable, bordering on outright disturbing. The idea that teachers need to prove their political leanings before being allowed to teach is, to put it mildly, a controversial move. It feels like a barrier being put up for positions that are already struggling to fill. The teacher shortage is a huge issue, and this seems like a counterproductive measure.
But let’s be realistic: is Oklahoma a hotbed of recruitment for educators from the coasts? The general consensus seems to be a resounding “no.” Teachers in more prosperous states, with better pay and benefits, are unlikely to be enticed to a place where they may face a significant pay cut. And who wants to give up the comforts of their current life for the possibility of a tornado or other hardships?
There’s a palpable sense of incredulity. Why would a teacher from a state like California or New York, with its robust educational system and relatively high salaries, choose to relocate to Oklahoma? The contrast in economic strength and resources between those states and Oklahoma is vast. The potential for a dramatic lifestyle change, involving a considerable drop in income and a shift in professional opportunity, makes the scenario almost laughable.
The politics of the situation are also hard to ignore. Oklahoma’s “America First” stance feels like a thinly veiled attempt to screen out educators who may not align with the state’s conservative values. The use of a test that measures political ideology raises concerns about academic freedom and the potential for biased teaching. Some people are concerned that this could be an echo of past ideologies.
The details surrounding this change add to the overall skepticism. The mention of the superintendent and past issues doesn’t exactly instill confidence. There’s a strong feeling that Oklahoma is making a statement, but one that’s likely to backfire.
The broader implications of this are also worth considering. Does this set a precedent? Could other states implement similar measures, leading to a sort of educational Balkanization? The potential for states to become increasingly insular in their hiring practices raises complex questions about the future of education in the United States. If states begin to actively discourage the movement of teachers across state lines based on political or ideological grounds, this would have a chilling effect on the flow of ideas and best practices.
The irony of Oklahoma’s move is also hard to miss. The state, which often ranks near the bottom in educational metrics, seems more focused on ideological purity than on attracting top-tier talent. The focus is on political alignment rather than a teacher’s credentials or their ability to engage students, which can undermine efforts to improve the educational outcomes.
Ultimately, the reaction to Oklahoma’s new requirement is one of deep skepticism. The move is seen as impractical, potentially counterproductive, and perhaps a bit shortsighted. The prevailing sentiment is that Oklahoma is likely to be disappointed in its attempts to attract the best educators. In the end, this seems like an effort to turn the educational system into a political tool.