Ryan Walters launches 'America First' teacher screening for out-of-state educators

The initiative will assess incoming educators on topics such as patriotism, biology and constitutional values.

Oklahoma's top education official is rolling out a new policy aimed at vetting teachers moving to the state from places with what he calls “progressive education policies.”

State Superintendent Ryan Walters announced this week that the Oklahoma Department of Education will partner with conservative media outlet PragerU to develop a screening tool for incoming teachers.

The initiative is the latest in Walters’ push to implement education policies aligned with conservative values and what he refers to as an “America First” approach to classroom instruction.

What the new teacher screening includes

Walters says the new assessment will evaluate teachers' understanding of the U.S. Constitution, American exceptionalism, and the “biological differences between boys and girls.”

While exact details of the test have not been released, the superintendent said the goal is to ensure incoming educators are aligned with Oklahoma’s values.

“We’re sending a clear message: Oklahoma’s schools will not be a haven for woke agendas pushed in places like California and New York,” Walters said in a press release. “If you want to teach here, you’d better know the Constitution, respect what makes America great and understand basic biology. We’re raising a generation of patriots, not activists, and I’ll fight tooth and nail to keep leftist propaganda out of our classrooms.”

Who’s behind the curriculum?

The state is working directly with PragerU, a conservative nonprofit known for producing media content that emphasizes traditional American values. The group is not an accredited educational institution, but some states use its videos and digital lessons as supplemental materials.

PragerU CEO Marissa Streit praised the partnership.

“We’re thrilled to join Oklahoma in answering parents’ call against senseless woke indoctrination,” Streit said. “This assessment will stop extreme leftist ideologies from harming children and ensure teachers champion America’s greatness and future potential.”

Walters says the assessment is currently being finalized and could be implemented in the coming weeks.

Political influence and broader agenda

Walters says the new standard is tied directly to the Trump administration’s “America First” agenda. That includes prioritizing civics education with a strong emphasis on patriotism and traditional gender norms.

What comes next?

Once the test is complete, Walters says it will be immediately required for any teacher moving to Oklahoma from another state. It’s unclear how the new requirement will impact teacher recruitment amid ongoing educator shortages.