Ryan Walters is an American politician currently serving as the Oklahoma Superintendent of Public Instruction since 2023. He was born on May 23, 1985, in McAlester, Oklahoma. Walters has a background as a high school history teacher, having taught Advanced Placement courses and special education classes at McAlester High School. He was a finalist for Oklahoma Teacher of the Year in 2016. Before becoming superintendent, he served as Oklahoma Secretary of Education from September 2020 to April 2023. He has been a vocal critic of critical race theory, LGBT students' rights, and teachers' unions, and has supported conservative education policies including advocating for the teaching of the Bible in public schools. His tenure has been marked by controversy, including national attention over his responses to issues involving LGBT students and his promotion of prayer in schools. Walters is a member of the Republican Party and has aligned with conservative groups such as Moms for Liberty. He is married with four children
. There is also a different individual named Ryan Walters who is an American college football coach, currently the defensive coordinator for the University of Washington, but this is a separate person
