Alumni Spotlight: Shelby Anderson

By Sofia Del Fine and Rachel Sampson
November 10, 2025

This month, the School of Education is proud to spotlight Shelby Anderson, an alumna whose work as an educator and historian enriches classrooms, museums, and the broader public's understanding of women’s military service. Shelby earned her MAT, single subject credential in Social Science, and bachelor’s degrees in Social Policy & Public Service (Governance) and Education Sciences from UC Irvine.

Now in her seventh year teaching Social Science at Laguna Beach High School, she leads AP Human Geography and U.S. History and is known for bringing history to life through firsthand stories from veterans and survivors. Her teaching excellence has earned recognition, including a Disney Teaching Award and a Certificate of Congressional Recognition.

Shelby Anderson

Beyond her school community, Shelby is a nationally respected WWII Women’s Military Service Historian. She partnered with the National WWII Museum to create curriculum on women’s wartime roles and later co-led a national educator training. Her public history work includes conference presentations, museum programs, and historical reenactments that highlight the lived experiences of WWII servicewomen.

Currently pursuing her Ed.D. in P–12 Educational Leadership at Cal State Fullerton, Shelby continues to explore museum education, curriculum design, and preservation. Recently married to her Army pilot sweetheart, Shelby is looking ahead to new adventures—both professionally and personally.
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Through every project, Shelby remains committed to ensuring that the contributions of America’s servicewomen are honored, taught, and remembered.