Teachers in One State Now Face ‘America First’ Exam to Prove They’re Not Too Woke

Oklahoma is preparing to roll out a new requirement for aspiring teachers that has already sparked national debate. According to multiple reports, the state will mandate that applicants from California and New York pass an exam designed to ensure they are not aligned with what officials describe as "radical leftist ideology."

The move has quickly been dubbed a "MAGA loyalty test" by critics, with opponents warning it could worsen the state’s already severe teacher shortage.

The Exam and Who Will Administer It

Oklahoma’s public schools superintendent Ryan Walters announced that the test will be overseen by conservative media organization PragerU.

"As long as I am superintendent, Oklahoma classrooms will be safeguarded from the radical leftist ideology fostered in places like California and New York," Walters said in a statement.

The Associated Press, which reviewed the initial draft, reported that early questions include asking applicants to recall the first three words of the U.S. Constitution and to explain why freedom of religion is "important to America's identity."

USA Today added that test-takers will also be expected to demonstrate knowledge of "the biological differences between females and males."

PragerU CEO Marissa Streit told CNN that several of the exam questions are intended to focus on "undoing the damage of gender ideology."

Oklahoma is preparing to roll out a new requirement for aspiring teachers that has already sparked national debate.

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Who Will Be Affected

For now, the requirement applies only to applicants from California and New York. Critics say targeting teachers from specific states raises legal and ethical concerns, while supporters argue it is a safeguard against what they see as ideological indoctrination in classrooms.

According to multiple reports, the state will mandate that applicants from California and New York pass an exam designed to ensure they are not aligned with what officials describe as "radical leftist ideology."

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Pushback from Educators and Advocates

Reactions from the education community have been swift and highly critical. Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, issued a sharp warning:

"This MAGA loyalty test will be yet another turnoff for teachers in a state already struggling with a huge shortage."

Tina Ellsworth, president of the nonprofit National Council for the Social Studies, also condemned the proposal.

"State boards of education should stay true to the values and principles of the U.S. Constitution," Ellsworth said. "Imposing an ideology test to become a teacher in our great democracy is antithetical to those principles."

Oklahoma’s public schools superintendent Ryan Walters announced that the test will be overseen by conservative media organization PragerU.

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Walters’ Defense

Despite the backlash, Walters insists the test is necessary. In an interview with USA Today, he said the state Department of Education will implement the exam to ensure incoming teachers are not "indoctrinating kids."

"These reforms will reset our classrooms back to educating our children without liberal indoctrination," Walters wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "We’re proud to defend these standards, and we will continue to stand up for honest, pro-America education in every classroom."

What the Test May Include

According to USA Today, sample questions from the exam include:

What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress?

A. House of Lords and Commons

B. Courts and Senate

C. Executive and Legislative

D. Senate and House of Representatives

How many U.S. Senators are there?

A. 435

B. 110

C. 50

D. 100

Why do some states have more Representatives than others?

A. They cover a larger geographic area

B. They have held statehood for a longer period

C. The number is determined by military presence

D. Representation is determined by population size

Reactions from the education community have been swift and highly critical

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Broader Implications

The test is expected to launch soon, although no official date has been given. Supporters claim it will strengthen "pro-America education," while opponents argue it sets a dangerous precedent for politicizing teaching credentials.

With Oklahoma already grappling with a shortage of educators, critics warn that this new barrier may discourage qualified candidates from applying, especially those moving in from out of state. The controversy has positioned Oklahoma at the center of a larger national debate about education, politics, and the role of ideology in classrooms.