Teachers say Walters’ exit brings hope, praise new superintendent’s tone shift

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Teachers across Oklahoma say they finally feel hopeful again following the appointment of a new state superintendent and the departure of Ryan Walters. At an event at a school in Tulsa on Thursday, Governor Kevin Stitt announced he has selected Lindel Fields to serve the remainder of former State Superintendent Ryan Walters’ term. The Tulsa native has worked in education for more than three decades—much of that at Tri County Tech in Bartlesville, where he served as superintendent and CEO.

He retired in 2021 and most recently launched a leadership coaching firm. At times, Thursday, Fields became emotional when speaking about what he sees as a duty to shift the tone about teachers and show them more appreciation than former State Superintendent Ryan Walters. One of fo