Laura M Westhoff

Laura M Westhoff is a Professor of History and Education at the University of Missouri–St. Louis (UMSL), holding a joint appointment in the College of Education and the Department of History. She specializes in Gilded Age/Progressive Era history, democratic education, and the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL). Her work bridges historical scholarship with pedagogical innovation, emphasizing how historical knowledge shapes democratic practices and education systems.

Westhoff earned her Ph.D. in U.S. History from Washington University in St. Louis. Her research focuses on social movements, education reform, and the intersection of expertise and democracy. Notable works include her book *A Fatal Drifting Apart: Democratic Social Knowledge and Chicago Reform* (2007) and her current project on mid-20th century democratic practices.

Research Interests:

• Post-Civil War American women’s history
• Curriculum design for history education
• Social justice and political culture
• Teaching American History methodologies

Westhoff has led five major grants, including projects funded by the U.S. Department of Education and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Her work emphasizes teacher training, social studies certification, and innovative programs like the Student Teaching in China initiative. She regularly presents at national workshops and co-authored several Teaching American History grants.

Key Projects:

• Historical Perspectives on American Democracy (2005–2008)
• St. Louis In-Gear for Success (2005–2011)
• Virtual City Project (2001–2004)

Her research output spans articles in journals like *The Journal of American History* and books exploring historical pedagogy. Westhoff is a vocal advocate for integrating historical thinking into K-12 education and advancing democratic citizenship through curriculum innovation.