In Oklahoma, Teachers From out of State Assessed for ‘America First’ Values

Contact Your Elected Officials

State Education Superintendent Ryan Walters says he holds teacher candidates from other states to another level of scrutiny.

Oklahoma’s education chief announced on Aug. 14 that the Sooner State’s public schools are kicking off the 2025–2026 academic year with 4,000 new “America first” teachers who he said won’t promote ideologies inconsistent with state-approved curriculum.

Those teachers, Oklahoma Education Superintendent Ryan Walters said in a statement, “are committed to putting students before woke politics.”

“In Oklahoma, we remain committed to protecting parents, rights, religious freedom, and President [Donald] Trump’s America First agenda,” he said.

Ahead of this academic year, which has already started in some Oklahoma districts, Walters asked the PragerU organization to develop an “America first” screening tool to filter out prospective teachers from other states who promote progressive ideologies such as transgenderism.

A July 16 video on the PragerU website confirms that the organization developed the tool at the superintendent’s request.

The screening process includes a test with multiple-choice questions on the definition of biological sex, the first passages of the Constitution, and the three branches of the federal government, CNN reported on Aug. 15.

PragerU confirmed to The Epoch Times in an email that such a test is used to screen out-of-state teacher applicants, and passing it is a requirement for Oklahoma certification. No additional information was provided.

“The test is not available to the public yet, but will be soon,” the organization said.

Responding to public criticism that the screening practice is discriminatory, PragerU Outreach Director Jill Simonian said in the July 16 video that out-of-state applicants are only required to demonstrate their knowledge of three areas—the fundamentals of the U.S. Constitution, the definition of American exceptionalism, and “basic biology.”

Simonian said establishing additional requirements for teacher applicants, based on the curriculum, are a common practice in many states.

“So why is knowing the Constitution a deterrent?“ he said. ”It’s OK for Oklahoma to require certain things from educators and students.”

PragerU provides free learning materials to Oklahoma public schools. Some of the content is available on the organization’s website.

By Aaron Gifford

Read Full Article on TheEpochTimes.com

The Epoch Times
The Epoch Timeshttps://www.theepochtimes.com/
Tired of biased news? The Epoch Times is truthful, factual news that other media outlets don't report. No spin. No agenda. Just honest journalism like it used to be.

Government Shutdown, Health Care, Tax Breaks=Perfect Storm

The shutdown over cuts to health subsidies for the poor stems from Trump’s OBBB plan, which critics say funneled trillions to the wealthy.

3I/Atlas Comet or UFO Arrives Tomorrow!

The 3I/Atlas object is hurtling toward our solar system on a strange path and composition, set to pass behind the sun, obscuring visual and radio tracking.

Kamala, Please Run Again

Kamala Harris hinted she wants to run for President in 2028, despite poor poll numbers and her loss in 2024. If she runs, the big winners will be the GOP.

Rosie O’Donnell vs. Her Therapist

Rosie O’Donnell's therapist attempted to artfully introduce to her client to the possibility that Rosie's outrage might be performative. It didn’t take.

Hamas’s Stubborn Grip on Arms Signals No Desire for Genuine Peace

Hamas’s rhetoric reflects its founding ideology, prioritizing armed resistance over civilian welfare or diplomatic progress.

Amazon to Cut 14,000 Corporate Jobs Amid AI Push

Amazon is cutting about 14,000 corporate jobs to streamline management, reduce bureaucracy, and focus more on AI and other key priorities.

Louisiana GOP State Lawmaker Announces Run Against Incumbent U.S. Senator

Louisiana Rep. Julie Emerson launches a campaign against Sen. Bill Cassidy, entering the state’s first Republican primary race in 50 years.

Trump Says His MRI Test Performed at Walter Reed Was ‘Perfect’

“I did,” Trump confirmed. “I got an MRI. It was perfect. I gave you the full results. We had an MRI, in the machine … the whole thing.”

Fox News to Air First TV Interview With Erika Kirk Following Husband’s Assassination

Erika Kirk, new CEO of Turning Point USA, will give her first TV interview next month, two months after the assassination of her husband, Charlie Kirk.

Trump, Japanese PM Sign Critical Minerals, Rare Earths Deal

The U.S. president visited Tokyo on the second leg...

Trump Hikes Canada’s Tariffs by 10 Percent for Not Pulling Anti-Tariff Ad Immediately

Trump announced he will increase tariffs on Canada by 10% after ad by provincial government of Ontario misrepresented President Reagan’s speech on tariffs.

Trump Rolls Back Emissions Rules on Copper Smelters

President Trump issued a proclamation aimed at reversing a Biden-era environmental rule that enforced stricter air emission standards on copper smelters.

Donor Gives $130 Million to Cover Shortfall in Troop Pay During Shutdown

Trump announced on Oct. 23 that an anonymous donor sent $130M to cover military pay during the ongoing government shutdown.
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

MAGA Business Central