August 20, 2025 — Oklahoma’s education system is making headlines again. Superintendent Ryan Walters has announced a new policy requiring teachers from California and New York to pass an “ideology test” before being certified to teach in the state.
The move has sparked national debate over political bias, educational standards, and teacher recruitment.
Why Is Oklahoma Testing Out-of-State Teachers?
According to Walters, the test is designed to “safeguard classrooms from radical leftist ideology.” He stated, “As long as I am superintendent, Oklahoma classrooms will be safeguarded from the radical leftist ideology fostered in places like California and New York.” The test will reportedly include around 50 multiple-choice questions focused on American history, civics, and constitutional principles.
BREAKING: Oklahoma will now require all incoming teachers to pass an “America First” test—proving they know the Constitution, understand American exceptionalism, and can define a boy and a girl. No woke brainwashing allowed in their schools. pic.twitter.com/Ua0jYZETeP
— Next News Network 🇺🇲 (@NextNewsNetwork) August 5, 2025
What’s in the Oklahoma Teacher Ideology Test?
Sample questions released to the media include:
- What are the first words of the U.S. Constitution?
- Why is freedom of religion important to America’s identity?
- How many U.S. Senators are there?
- Why do some states have more Representatives than others?
The test is being developed in partnership with PragerU, a conservative media organization. PragerU CEO Marissa Streit said the assessment will also address “undoing the damage of gender ideology.”
Who Supports and Opposes the New Policy?
Supporters say the test will help align educators with “traditional American values.” Critics, however, argue it’s a political litmus test that could worsen Oklahoma’s teacher shortage.
Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, called it a “MAGA loyalty test,” adding, “His priority should be educating students, but instead, it’s getting Donald Trump and other MAGA politicians to notice him.”
Will This Affect Teacher Hiring in Oklahoma?
The Oklahoma Department of Education says the test is ready and will roll out soon. Teachers from California and New York must pass it before receiving certification. The policy does not currently apply to educators from other states.
This comes amid other controversial education mandates in Oklahoma, including requirements to teach the Bible and the Ten Commandments, and curriculum updates involving disputed claims about the 2020 U.S. presidential election.
