Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has announced the appointment of Ryan Walters, CEO of Every Kid Counts Oklahoma and an experienced educator, as the state’s Secretary of Education. This cabinet role requires confirmation by the Senate.
“Ryan Walters has demonstrated a deep commitment to enhancing education for Oklahoma students and supporting teachers across the state,” said Governor Stitt. “With his background as a public school educator and his leadership experience in education policy, he will play a crucial role in helping Oklahoma achieve top-tier results in education.”
A Background in Teaching and Leadership
Walters spent eight years teaching history at McAlester High School, where he instructed students in Advanced Placement (AP) courses such as World History, U.S. History, and U.S. Government. He also taught general history, special education classes, and Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) programs. His dedication to education earned him recognition as a finalist for Oklahoma Teacher of the Year in 2016.
Currently, Walters serves as the CEO of Every Kid Counts Oklahoma, while also teaching AP U.S. History at Millwood High School and McAlester High School through the Oklahoma Supplemental Online Course Program. Previously, he led Oklahoma Achieves, an initiative that fostered stronger engagement between the business sector and public education. Walters also holds a position as a commissioner for the Office of Education Quality and Accountability, working to improve academic standards statewide. Under his leadership, Every Kid Counts Oklahoma launched the Bridge the Gap Digital Wallet initiative, which utilized the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund to provide critical educational resources.
Commitment to Education Reform
Expressing enthusiasm about his new role, Walters stated, “It is an honor to serve as Secretary of Education under Governor Stitt’s leadership. My experience in the classroom has provided me with firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities within Oklahoma’s education system. I look forward to working on policies that will position our state among the best in education.”
In conjunction with Walters’ appointment, Governor Stitt also signed the Third Amended Executive Order 2019-01, which formally established the independent role of Secretary of Education while merging the responsibilities of the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Native American Affairs.
Oversight and Responsibilities
As Secretary of Education, Walters will oversee several key agencies, boards, and commissions, including:
- The State Board of Education
- College and University Boards of Regents or Trustees
- The Office of Educational Quality and Accountability
- The State Board of Career and Technology Education
Endorsements from Education Leaders
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Joy Hofmeister praised Walters’ appointment, stating, “Ryan Walters has been a dedicated teacher and an advocate for students. His leadership and experience make him a strong choice for this role, and we look forward to collaborating with him.”
Representative Rhonda Baker (R-Yukon) also expressed confidence in Walters, noting, “Ryan’s passion for education and his drive to improve student outcomes across Oklahoma will be invaluable. His leadership will help guide our state toward becoming a top performer in education.”
Randy Hughes, Superintendent of McAlester Public Schools, highlighted Walters’ impact: “Ryan has always prioritized student success and teacher empowerment. His dedication to fostering excellence in education makes him a fantastic addition to the Governor’s cabinet.”
Millwood Public Schools Superintendent Cecilia Robinson-Woods echoed these sentiments, stating, “Ryan has consistently demonstrated a commitment to ensuring students have access to high-quality learning opportunities, even in challenging circumstances. His innovative approach will be a tremendous asset in his new role.”
Chad Warmington, CEO and President of the State Chamber of Oklahoma, emphasized Walters’ history of educational leadership, stating, “Ryan has worked tirelessly to connect students with resources and support networks, ensuring that education in Oklahoma continues to evolve. His dedication will undoubtedly benefit our students and educators.”
With Walters stepping into this pivotal role, Oklahoma’s education system is poised for new advancements aimed at achieving excellence across the state.
Summary
Governor Kevin Stitt has appointed Ryan Walters as Oklahoma’s Secretary of Education, recognizing his expertise in both teaching and education policy. Walters’ extensive experience as a history teacher, CEO of Every Kid Counts Oklahoma, and policy leader equips him to oversee the state’s educational development. His role includes managing key educational agencies and driving initiatives aimed at improving student outcomes and supporting teachers. Education leaders across the state have endorsed his appointment, expressing confidence in his ability to lead Oklahoma toward top-tier educational success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Who is Ryan Walters?
A: Ryan Walters is an experienced educator and CEO of Every Kid Counts Oklahoma. He has a strong background in public education and policy leadership, making him well-suited for his role as Secretary of Education.
Q: What are the responsibilities of the Secretary of Education?
A: The Secretary of Education oversees various state education agencies, including the State Board of Education, university boards, and career and technology education boards, ensuring policies align with the Governor’s vision for academic excellence.
Q: How does Ryan Walters’ experience contribute to this role?
A: With years of teaching experience, leadership in education policy, and advocacy for educational reform, Walters brings valuable insights and strategies to improve student outcomes and teacher support.
Q: What initiatives has Walters been involved in?
A: He led the Bridge the Gap Digital Wallet initiative, connecting students with essential learning resources through the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund.
Q: How will Walters support Oklahoma’s education system?
A: His goal is to implement policies and programs that enhance student learning, support educators, and elevate Oklahoma’s standing in national education rankings.
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