Beth Wallis
StateImpact Oklahoma Education ReporterBeth Wallis holds a journalism degree from the University of Oklahoma. Originally from Tulsa, she also graduated from Oklahoma State University with a bachelor's degree in music education and a master's degree in conducting performance. She was a band director at a public school for five years.
Beth is an alumnus of the Carnegie-Knight News21 Fellowship and NPR Next Generation Radio. She's been recognized for her work by the Hearst Awards, the Society of Professional Journalists, the Associated Collegiate Press and the Oklahoma Broadcast Education Association. She was awarded Best Podcast from the Oklahoma Society of Professional Journalists for her series "At the Seams," which explores Norman's relationships with political division, police funding and its own racial history.
Beth enjoys hiking, playing with her four dogs and discovering new favorite musical artists.
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Democratic nominee for state superintendent, Jennettie Marshall, took to social media last week to address criticism about a 2025 speaking engagement with the Tulsa-based political and religious group, City Elders. -
A Republican vying for state superintendent is calling for a statewide audit of educational dollars, should he take up the mantle. -
The Oklahoma State Board of Education denied an application Monday from Dahlonegah Public Schools to change from a dependent to independent school district. -
Childcare costs are soaring. Infant care at childcare centers rose 27% from 2023 to 2025, according to the Oklahoma Partnership for School Readiness. -
Gov. Kevin Stitt says a new bill will be “ending penalizing student athletes for transferring schools.” But, OSSAA clarified the measure only removed a statute — the rule still exists. -
The 2026 legislative session has come to end. Logan Layden talked with StateImpact Oklahoma reporters about their takeaways on legislation impacting education, health, science and the environment. -
A bill to require a “President Donald J. Trump Physical Fitness Test” for Oklahoma students is headed to the governor’s desk. -
A bill to expand eligibility for the state’s college tuition assistance program to children of school counselors, librarians and more fell prey to Gov. Kevin Stitt’s veto pen Tuesday. -
An Edmond teacher who found himself in the crosshairs of former State Superintendent Ryan Walters is suing Walters and the state for defamation and more. -
As Oklahoma students finish up their courses and take their final exams for the semester, the popular learning management system Canvas underwent a cybersecurity attack Thursday. Officials say it’s now back online.
