A new teacher screening test in Oklahoma is drawing national attention — and sparking sharp debate — for its goal of blocking what state leaders call “woke indoctrinators” from entering the classroom.
The test, created by conservative media group Prager University, is aimed specifically at out-of-state teachers applying to work in Oklahoma from California and New York. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters says the test is designed to ensure incoming educators align with what he describes as Oklahoma’s “America-first” values.
“We’re not bringing in woke indoctrinators into the classroom,” Walters said this week.
The 50-question exam will cover U.S. history, government, and cultural issues, including religion and gender identity. It must be passed with a perfect score before teachers from these states can be hired. Although the test has not been fully released, officials shared five sample questions that hint at the content and tone.
One asks applicants to name the first three words of the U.S. Constitution. Another focuses on religious freedom and how it protects citizens from government control. A third asks about the structure of Congress. A fourth tests knowledge on how many U.S. senators serve in total. Another asks why some states have more representatives than others.
According to Walters, these are just a preview. He confirmed the test will also include questions on “biological differences between the two genders,” though those examples were not made public.
The test was first announced during a state education board meeting in July. Walters told the board that New York and California use education standards he considers “antithetical” to Oklahoma’s values. The board did not vote on the plan and was not given the opportunity to review the full exam before implementation. One board member, Chris Van Denhende, expressed concern during the meeting, warning, “It sounds like we’re on the edge.”
Still, Walters said the requirement officially went into effect this summer, and candidates from the two states are already being notified that their applications will not be considered until they take and pass the exam. He also indicated that other blue states could be added in the future.
Oklahoma’s new rule making teachers pass a test is great. It ensures kids have good teachers! I support this because it holds teachers accountable and puts kids first. Every state should do this for all teachers, public or private!! pic.twitter.com/pB6KoQSDy9
— Anna
(@realAnn_29) August 5, 2025
(@realAnn_29) The Oklahoma Education Association, the state’s largest teachers union, has criticized the move. In a July letter to members, the union claimed Walters lacks legal authority to create political screens for certified educators. State law requires Oklahoma to honor teaching licenses from other states, the letter said.
Cari Elledge, the union’s president, told USA Today the screening test was a “political stunt to grab attention.” She warned that turning teacher hiring into a political litmus test could discourage skilled educators from applying, especially during a time when the state is struggling with a teacher shortage.
Despite pushback, Walters said he expects legal challenges and is prepared to defend the test in court.
The rollout also strengthens the influence of PragerU in Oklahoma’s education system. The nonprofit has partnered with at least five states to make its materials available for classroom use. These videos and lessons promote conservative interpretations of topics like race, gender, and U.S. history.
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) Although the teacher screening test is new, Oklahoma already requires incoming educators to pass a U.S. civics exam as part of certification. Walters said the additional screening is necessary to protect students from political agendas entering the classroom.
The full test is expected to be released soon. For now, educators from California and New York must wait — and prepare for a new kind of exam, one that’s raising just as many questions as it answers.
