Lee S. Shulman: An Icon of Teaching

This article explores the innovative ideas and extraordinary contributions made by Lee S. Schulman. Discussions of Shulman’s key principles of knowledge development in pedagogy and content are presented. Special attention is provided to how Shulman developed an environment of professionalism and scholarship for teacher preparation and teaching. We also point out the broadness of his skills in the professions of medicine, engineering, the clergy, and law. Also, space is given to Shulman’s ideas of the relationship of scholarship and practice, teaching as community property, and his signature pedagogies. The authors also make note of Schulman’s educational background including his precollege religious Jewish education. His educational experiences at the University of Chicago gave him the opportunity to be in contact with the two educational thinkers: Professors Joseph Schwab and Benjamin Bloom. Their impact on his professionalism of teaching and leadership is demonstrated through his leadership of the development of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.