Ryan Walters is a strong supporter of the Moms for Liberty organization, which has been labeled by the Southern Poverty Law Center as an “extremist” and “antigovernment” group. His time as Superintendent has been marked by controversy. He played a key role in the removal of Tulsa Public Schools Superintendent Deborah Gist, appointed Chaya Raichik to the Oklahoma Library Advisory Board, and has advocated for the inclusion of Bible teachings in public schools.
His actions have often sparked national attention, especially his response to the death of Nex Benedict, an LGBT student from Owasso High School, in February 2024, which led to calls for his removal. In November 2024, he made headlines again after requesting that teachers show a video of him praying for then President-elect Donald Trump.
Who Is Ryan Walters?
Ryan Walters (born May 23, 1985) is an American politician who has held the position of Oklahoma’s Superintendent of Public Instruction since 2023. Before being elected to this role, he served as the Oklahoma Secretary of Education from September 2020 to April 2023, after being appointed by Governor Kevin Stitt. Walters is a member of the Republican Party and has developed a reputation as a vocal advocate for conservative values, particularly in the context of education.
Throughout his political career, Walters has become well-known for his strong opposition to critical race theory, the rights of LGBT students, and the influence of teachers’ unions in Oklahoma. He has been described by some as “the state’s top culture warrior” due to his outspoken positions on cultural and social issues. Walters has consistently argued that critical race theory has no place in the classroom, which has earned him both support and criticism from various groups across the state and beyond.
Rayan Walters Biography
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Ryan Walters |
| Born | May 23, 1985 |
| Age | 39 years old (as of 2024) |
| Place of Birth | McAlester, Oklahoma |
| Political Party | Republican |
| Education | Harding University (Graduated in 2010) |
Early Life And Career
Ryan Walters was born on May 23, 1985, in McAlester, Oklahoma. He grew up in a family with a strong educational background—his father worked as a bank executive, and his mother was employed at Eastern Oklahoma State College. Both parents attended Harding University and were active members of the North Town Church of Christ, where his father served as a minister, and his mother directed the elementary education program.
Walters completed his education at Harding University, graduating in 2010, before returning to his hometown of McAlester to teach at McAlester High School in 2012. During his time as a teacher, he was recognized as the McAlester Teacher of the Year and was a finalist for the State Teacher of the Year award in 2016. Walters’ career took a significant turn in 2018 when he met future Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt at a tennis tournament, leading to a friendship between the two. Later that year, Walters published three articles in the conservative magazine The Federalist and became more involved in Oklahoma’s political scene.
In addition to his work as an educator, Walters was appointed to several state positions. He joined the Oklahoma Community Service Commission in 2018, appointed by Governor Mary Fallin, and in 2019, Governor Stitt named him to the Commission for Educational Quality and Accountability. Walters resigned from his teaching position at McAlester Public Schools in 2019 to focus on his expanding political and nonprofit career.
Ryan Walters Age
Ryan Walters was born on May 23, 1985, which makes him 39 years old as of 2024. Growing up in McAlester, Oklahoma, he has spent much of his life in the state, where he has established his career in education and politics. Despite his relatively young age, Walters has already made significant strides in Oklahoma’s political landscape, taking on prominent roles such as the Oklahoma Secretary of Education and later, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Oklahoma Secretary of Education
On September 10, 2020, Governor Kevin Stitt nominated Ryan Walters to serve as Oklahoma’s Secretary of Education, making him the youngest person to hold this position in the state’s history.
However, Walters’ tenure was not without controversy. In May 2022, The Frontier and Oklahoma Watch reported that a U.S. Department of Education investigation found issues with the Bridge the Gap program, which Walters had overseen. The program was criticized for lacking safeguards to prevent fraud and abuse, and federal auditors were investigating the distribution of COVID-19 relief funds through the program.
Following this, on May 11, 2022, Oklahoma House Democrats called on Governor Stitt to ask for Walters’ resignation. In response, the Governor’s office defended Walters, praising his work in advocating for parental rights in education and prioritizing funding for students over government-run systems.
Further scrutiny came later in May when it was revealed that Walters had continued to serve as the Executive Director of Every Kid Counts Oklahoma, a nonprofit focused on education, while serving as Secretary of Education. Walters was paid $120,000 annually by the nonprofit, a salary much higher than his state salary of $40,000. Reports from The Frontier and Oklahoma Watch also highlighted that Every Kid Counts Oklahoma received funding from groups that advocate for school privatization and charter school expansion, including the Walton Family Foundation and a group founded by Charles Koch.
In August 2023, The Oklahoman reported on a state audit led by Oklahoma State Auditor Cindy Byrd, which found that $1.7 million allocated for the Bridge the Gap program was misused on non-educational items, such as appliances, power tools, furniture, and entertainment. The audit revealed that Walters was in charge of the program at the time. The Federal Bureau of Investigation launched an investigation into the misuse of federal funds that were intended to help students learn from home during the COVID-19 pandemic as part of the $39.9 million Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) grant.
Personal Life
Ryan Walters is married to his wife, Andrea Walters, and together they have two children. While details about his family life remain relatively private, it is known that Andrea plays a supportive role in his personal and professional life. Ryan was raised in McAlester, Oklahoma, and comes from a family with strong ties to education and religious service—his father is a minister at the North Town Church of Christ, and his mother works in elementary education. This environment likely influenced his own commitment to education and public service. Despite his political visibility, Ryan Walters tends to keep specifics about his family life out of the public eye.
Physical Appearance Of Rayan Welters
| Attribute | Details |
| Height | Approx. 6 feet (183 cm) |
| Build | Athletic, average build |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Hair Style | Short and neatly combed |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Complexion | Fair |
| Facial Features | Defined jawline, clean-shaven |
Ryan Walters has an athletic build and stands around 6 feet tall. His brown hair is usually kept short and neatly styled, complementing his clean-shaven look. With brown eyes and fair skin, he has a polished and professional appearance. His facial features include a defined jawline, which adds to his composed and confident presence in public and media appearances.
Social Media Presence
| Platform | Username/Handle | Activity/Engagement |
| @RyanWaltersOK | Active in political commentary and education reforms, often sharing his views on key issues. | |
| Ryan Walters for Superintendent | Frequently posts updates on his initiatives and campaigns, engaging with supporters. | |
| @ryanwaltersoklahoma | Posts a mix of personal and professional content, including family photos and political events. | |
| YouTube | N/A | No known personal YouTube channel, but may appear in interviews or official videos. |
Ryan Walters maintains an active presence on several social media platforms, where he engages with his followers and shares his political views. On Twitter, under the handle @RyanWaltersOK, he is vocal about his positions on education, parental rights, and other political matters, often using the platform to connect with supporters and address current events. On Facebook, he operates a campaign page titled “Ryan Walters for Superintendent,” where he posts updates related to his work and interacts with constituents. His Instagram profile (@ryanwaltersoklahoma) offers a more personal glimpse into his life.
FAQs About Ryan Walters
Q.Who is Ryan Walters?
A.Ryan Walters is the current Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction, having assumed office in 2023.
Q.What is Ryan Walters’ political affiliation?
A.Ryan Walters is a member of the Republican Party.
Q.What are some of Ryan Walters’ key political views?
A.Walters is known for his opposition to critical race theory, his stance against LGBT rights in schools, and his criticism of teachers’ unions.
Q.How old is Ryan Walters?
A.Ryan Walters was born on May 23, 1985, making him 39 years old as of 2024.
Q.What role did Walters play in education before becoming Superintendent?
A.Before becoming Superintendent, Walters served as the executive director of Every Kid Counts Oklahoma.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ryan Walters is a prominent and controversial figure in Oklahoma’s educational and political landscape. As the current Superintendent of Public Instruction, he has become known for his strong conservative views on education, particularly his opposition to critical race theory, LGBT rights in schools, and his advocacy for school choice and parental rights. His career has been marked by both significant support from conservative groups and criticism due to controversies over his handling of education programs and alleged mismanagement of federal funds. Despite these challenges, Walters continues to play a major role in shaping the direction of education policy in Oklahoma, and his influence in state politics remains substantial. His active presence on social media and continued public engagement indicate that he will remain a key figure in ongoing debates surrounding education in the state.
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