There’s a renewed sense of hope for education in Oklahoma. With the recent announcement from Governor Kevin Stitt, the Oklahoma State Department of Education (OSDE) has been preparing for its new leader.
On October 2, Lindel Fields was appointed State Superintendent following the resignation of Ryan Walters. After introducing himself to the media, Fields agreed to discuss his vision for Oklahoma during his 15 months of leadership.
Fields began his teaching career at age twenty at the Dick Conner Correctional Center. After thirty years in education—and a four-year retirement dedicated to leadership consulting—Governor Stitt offered him the opportunity to oversee more than 500 school districts as the new State Superintendent.
“I was retired doing consulting, and I just felt that the state needed a B12 shot, if you will—at the state level. So I began to think about how I could help and be part of the solution rather than just talk about it. So when this came open, I never hesitated. When the governor’s office called, I said yes,” Fields said.
Fields, a father of three, enjoys spending his free time outdoors with his family.
“I have a background in horticulture. I do triathlons—I did an Ironman a few years ago—and then we like to hike and do all things outdoors. We have a goal to see all of the national parks. We’ve seen eighteen,” he said.
When he’s not outdoors, he’s working in his office to address what many see as a struggling Oklahoma education system. Teachers, students, and parents are hopeful he can spark meaningful change during his time in office. That hope is especially strong among young educators preparing to enter the classroom.
Oklahoma Baptist University education major Sam Scott shared his perspective as he reaches the midpoint of his junior year.
“I’m super excited to have Lindel Fields in office. It really seems like he’s going to be super supportive of teachers,” Scott said.
Although ideas vary on how best to strengthen Oklahoma’s schools, Scott explained what he believes a successful education system should look like.
“Students that are successful, and teachers that desire to promote a love of learning in their students. And then administration that is all for their teachers—supporting their teachers and supporting their students. Being encouraging, standing up for their teachers, including the community. It’s not just about the teachers and the students—it’s about the whole community,” he said.
Fields expressed his own perspective on teachers and how he intends to support them.
“I think that teaching is the most noble of all professions, and teachers go into it because they’re called,” he said. “Propping up those things that can help teachers in the classroom is really important to us. I think it comes down to leadership at the building level—ensuring that we have the best leaders possible there.”
As for what specific changes he plans to make, Fields said his approach may be more about reduction than expansion.
“In terms of what we’re going to do, I think it’s more about what we’re not going to do. As we look in the organization, what are we doing that’s inhibiting schools— inhibiting teachers from being the best version of themselves? Each day I’m here, I’m thinking, ‘Maybe there’s more we can stop doing than what we ought to start doing,’” Fields said.
Scott agreed with the philosophy of giving local schools more freedom in decision-making.
“I definitely think that the local school districts should have the majority of the say, just because they know their students and they know how to meet their needs. Obviously, there needs to be some supervision from the state to make sure our students are receiving quality education, but I think school districts really know their students best,” he said.
As conversations about regulation continue, more families are choosing alternatives such as homeschooling and charter schools. Fields discussed how these options fit into his vision.
“We want to make sure that we have good charter schools. It’s my hope that the school in the student’s backyard is the best choice, but sometimes students need different choices. That’s different for every family and for every student. So I want to support whatever choice is the best choice for the student so they can be successful. If that’s a charter school, then so be it. If it’s a public school in the backyard—even better,” Fields said.
As part of his transition, Fields recently announced that the state does not intend to introduce tax-funded Bibles in the public school system. However, he emphasized that existing allowances for religious materials will remain unchanged.
“Bibles and other religious materials have long been allowed in schools. So what we did is just say we’re not going to spend taxpayer dollars to force Bibles. Whatever has been allowed will continue to be allowed, however the local school decides to do that,” Fields said.
Beyond policy debates, many Oklahomans want to address the state’s low national rankings and find a way forward.
“The biggest thing that I am worried about regarding teaching in Oklahoma right now is how Oklahoma is performing on national levels,” Scott said. “Right now Oklahoma doesn’t have the best reputation for education in our country. As a new teacher in a couple of years, that’s going to be really difficult. Understanding that Oklahoma’s a little bit behind—and that I can be a part of changing that—is exciting, but it’s going to be a long process.”
Fields acknowledged the challenges and pointed to the basics as the foundation for improvement.
“I think it’s fair to say we can do better,” he said. “It’s my belief that if we focus on the basics—starting with literacy, teacher retention, and recruitment—then that can begin to move that number. It’s not a profound thought necessarily. It’s just back to the basics. You have to get the basics right before you can begin to make significant shifts.”
Fields said he plans to draw on his career experience and the mentors who shaped his leadership.
“From time to time, we get spinach in our teeth, and we have to have the courage to let somebody know they have it. I’m talking about leadership in general. Leaders had the courage to let me know that maybe I could do something a little bit better,” he said.
When asked about the legacy he hopes to leave, Fields emphasized preparing the ground for the next administration.
“That we left it better than we found it. That there’s a solid foundation for the next person coming in—now fourteen months from now. A solid foundation so they can hit the ground running and not spend a lot of time on the treadmill, if you will,” he said.
To conclude the interview, Fields offered encouragement to those pursuing education.
“Teaching is the most noble of all professions, and there’s nothing greater than giving of yourself to change somebody’s life. So if you feel like that’s something you’d like to do, I think you should do it. Give it a shot,” he said.
“Leave the world a little bit better than you found it,” Fields added.
See full interview below:
