Honoring Lee Shulman: The Legacy of an Influential Education Scholar Who Shaped Teaching for Over 86 Years

Lee Shulman, a notable educational psychologist and professor emeritus at Stanford, passed away on December 30, 2024, at the age of 86. His death occurred at Moldaw Residences, a senior living community in Palo Alto.

Shulman began his journey at Stanford in 1982, eventually becoming the Charles E. Ducommun Professor of Education. His work changed the way we think about teachers, emphasizing their need to grasp both the subject matter and how to convey it effectively to students.

Colleagues and friends remember him for his intelligence, humility, and kindness. Richard Shavelson, a former dean at Stanford’s Graduate School of Education (GSE), highlighted Shulman’s dedication to enhancing teaching and supporting educators worldwide.

Shulman is best known for developing the idea of pedagogical content knowledge. This concept recognizes that it’s not enough for teachers to know their subjects; they must also adapt their teaching to meet the needs of their students. Pam Grossman, a former student, noted how Shulman helped spark a deeper understanding of teacher knowledge in educational research.

He also explored how professionals in fields like law, medicine, and engineering are trained, examining the link between their education and their practice. Rachel Lotan, another of Shulman’s admirers, pointed out his remarkable breadth of knowledge about various professions.

After retiring from Stanford in 1997, he became the eighth president of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. There, he shifted the foundation’s focus from purely student achievement to a broader study of teaching and professional preparation.

Lee was born on September 28, 1938, to Jewish immigrants who ran a delicatessen in Chicago. He earned his degrees from the University of Chicago and then taught at Michigan State University before joining Stanford.

Although an only child, he formed close bonds with colleagues, becoming part of a tight-knit academic family. This group celebrated birthdays and traveled together, reflecting deep friendships beyond mere professional relationships.

Students found him tough yet encouraging, pushing them to connect with the wider academic community. Karen Hammerness, a former student, recalled how he nurtured her scholarly journey, believing that learning is a collective experience.

Awarded many honors for his contributions, Shulman received the E. L. Thorndike Award in 1995 and the Grawemeyer Award in Education in 2006, among others. Beyond his academic success, he was known as a foodie, an entertainer, and a fantastic storyteller.

His daughter, Dina Shulman, emphasized his big heart and kindness, noting that despite his many achievements, he remained a loving father.

Lee is survived by his three children: Allen, Dan, and Dina, along with five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife, Judy Horwitz Shulman, a fellow educator who founded the Institute for Case Development in Education.

In his memory, donations can be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the Stanford Hospital Jewish Chaplaincy, or the Camp Ramah Tikvah program.