By John Q. Hosedrinker 
On Wednesday, Ryan Walters revealed his resignation as Oklahoma State Superintendent on Fox News. Walters is transitioning to the role of CEO at the Teacher Freedom Alliance, an organization focused on eliminating teachers’ unions and promoting “American exceptionalism” in school curricula. The announcement was also publicized on the organization’s Facebook page. Following the news, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued a statement expressing his dissatisfaction with Walters’ tenure. Walters, who was elected State Superintendent in 2022, previously served as Secretary of Public Education under Governor Kevin Stitt, and his term was expected to conclude in 2027.
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Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters resigns, and it seems like a collective sigh of relief – or maybe a raucous cheer – went up across the state. The news of his departure certainly sparked a lot of reactions, ranging from celebratory to speculative, and the reasons behind it are already fueling plenty of discussion.
This resignation comes with a particularly interesting twist: Walters isn’t just stepping away from the role. He’s heading up a new gig as the CEO of the Teacher Freedom Alliance. This organization, as described, seems laser-focused on dismantling teachers’ unions and, as the saying goes, aligning school curriculum with “American exceptionalism.” The move feels almost calculated, as though he’s trading one platform for another, one arena for another.
The circumstances surrounding his departure are what really have everyone talking. The announcement itself was apparently quite abrupt, followed by what sounds like a rather awkward exit from a news studio. These details, coupled with the general feeling about his tenure, raise the question: was this a carefully planned move, or was there something else at play? The internet, as always, is ablaze with speculation.
There’s a clear sentiment that Walters’ time as superintendent wasn’t exactly viewed as a success. The common thread is that Oklahoma schools were already struggling, and his policies seemed to push them further down the list. Many perceive his leadership as divisive, filled with “nutty policies” and a focus on firing teachers. It certainly appears as though his tenure was seen as a performance for a broader audience, as if he were auditioning for something bigger.
The whispers of a possible scandal are hard to ignore. The suggestion of hidden investigations and potential revelations about his conduct definitely adds another layer of complexity. The quick exit, the awkward interactions, all fuel the perception that something more than just a career change might be going on. This has led to the anticipation of something more to be revealed in the coming months.
The focus on “American exceptionalism” also deserves some attention. The phrase is a bit of a red flag for some, who see it as code for a specific type of indoctrination or an attempt to control the narrative within schools. With this new role leading an organization specifically focused on curriculum and teachers, this aspect will definitely be in the spotlight.
Many are joking about what the future might hold for Walters in the short term. Could it be a move to a position under Donald Trump? Or something else entirely? The predictions and jokes seem to indicate a deep lack of faith in his leadership. The general consensus among the commentary is one of relief – relief that he’s no longer directly shaping education in Oklahoma, and relief that his specific brand of policy is no longer being pushed on the students.
So, the story of Ryan Walters’ resignation is a complex one. It’s a departure that has left behind a trail of questions, accusations, and a general sense that something significant is happening. Only time will tell the full story behind his decision and what comes next, but it’s clear that his exit has already left a lasting impact on the state. The real impact on Oklahoma will only be visible with time, but for now, it appears that a significant chapter in the state’s educational history has come to a close.