Why does Oklahoma continue to rank near the bottom nationally in education outcomes — and what would it actually take to fix it?

In this episode of the Oklahoma Memo Podcast, Ryan Welton is joined by Democratic congressional candidate John Croisant and Democratic candidate for state superintendent Craig McVay for a wide-ranging discussion about the state of public education in Oklahoma.

The conversation explores:

Federal education funding and proposed Department of Education cuts
Oklahoma’s widening education investment gap
Teacher pay and retention challenges
Emergency-certified teachers and classroom realities
The role of vouchers and public school funding
Why class size matters
The hidden emotional and physical demands of teaching
Teacher Appreciation Week memories and reflections

Craig McVay also shares insights from decades in education leadership, including what new teachers misunderstand most about classroom management and why many educators leave after their first year.

Meanwhile, John Croisant discusses how education investment directly impacts Oklahoma’s workforce, economy and long-term prosperity.

This is a passionate, personal and policy-heavy conversation about one of the most important issues facing Oklahoma today.

Subscribe to Oklahoma Memo:

https://www.oklahomamemo.com

Follow the guests:

John Croisant: https://www.croisantforcongress.com
Craig McVay: https://www.craigforkids.com