Dr. John Cox, a long-time teacher and superintendent in Oklahoma, is running for the office of state superintendent.
With multiple advanced degrees in education, as well as decades of working in the Oklahoma school system, Cox represents not only the highest levels of professional competence but also an understanding of what is needed to fix what he calls Oklahoma’s broken school system.
Cox, a Republican, said he believes it is a priority to support and trust Oklahoma’s teachers. Without strong, dedicated teachers, it is impossible to teach children. Cox believes Oklahomans have a strong base of experienced, certified teachers to build on.
“Many teachers are still here who have been dedicated to the children of Oklahoma for decades. However, I recognize that without the right resources, Oklahoma will struggle to attract and retain teachers. In today’s work environment, corporations are recruiting young teachers out of college at a much higher salary,” Cox said.
Cox said he understands from his inside-the-classroom experience that the critical needs of education are not being met, and he promises to bring a clear focus to those needs along with plans on how Oklahoma can start moving in the right direction.
Cox said he also believes in providing safe and secure schools.
“Protecting students from indoctrination, inappropriate materials, sexual predators, or harmful intruders, is of the highest priority, and will be a focus of my administration,” he said.
As an advocate for stronger investment in public schools, Cox said he knows the answers are not political; they are educational.
He said his plan is to first, educate the public and the Legislature about the defined needs of education, and then engage all parties in an exploration of ways to meet those needs.
“I will focus on solutions, not politics,” he said.
Strong pre-K through eighth-grade curricula, Cox believes, plus greater flexibility in high school courses, will best meet the individual interests of each student and enable all of them to have more and better career choices.
Cox said he is also a strong supporter of local control of schools by locally elected board members.
“I understand that decisions made for a local school district are at their best when left in the hands of those who are invested in that local school district. Parent and community control of our schools is the backbone of great school systems,” Cox said.
After getting his Associate of Arts degree from NEO A&M, Cox went on to earn his Bachelor in Education from Northeastern State University, a Master’s in Counseling from NSU, and then a Doctorate in Education Administration from Oklahoma State University. He has also served in officer and leadership positions with several statewide education organizations.