Ryan Walters resigned from his position as Oklahoma's state superintendent of public instruction to become the chief executive officer of the Teacher Freedom Alliance, a conservative nonprofit organization aimed at dismantling teachers' unions. He has expressed a strong intent to "destroy the teachers unions," accusing them of using financial resources and influence to corrupt and weaken the education system. Walters' tenure was marked by culturally conservative and controversial policies, including mandating Bible teachings in public schools, attempting to incorporate conspiracy theories about the 2020 election into social studies curricula, and emphasizing patriotic and religious education. His resignation followed various controversies and backlash from both political sides, and his move is seen as part of a broader cultural and political fight over education in the U.S. Walters said recent national events, including the assassination of conservative figure Charlie Kirk, influenced his decision to take on this new role.