Leading Education Through Innovative Teaching and Applied Learning Sciences

Learning Innovator

Re-shaping learning landscapes both inside and outside the classroom through innovative approaches informed by cognitive sciences and best practices in teaching to achieve holistic learning outcomes.

S.T.E.A.M Teacher

Amplifying students’ critical and analytic thinking through STEAM education that is driven by the learner’s real-life context and interests to inspire students to become problem-solvers, critical thinkers, and life-long learners.

Instructional Designer

Creating functional, effective, and robust learning framework and design in all types of learning ecologies inside and outside the classroom through modern approaches and out-of-the-box thinking.

Equity and Inclusive Practice Advocate

Promoting equitable and inclusive practices environment that supports compassion, empathy, mutual understanding, and kindness through crafting learning experiences that reflect the diversity and individuality of all types of learners.

About Mr. T

John Carlo Samson Tulinao, also fondly known as “Mr.T” by his academic community, is a first-grade STEAM teacher at Amberlea Elementary School, Pendergast Elementary School District, Phoenix, Arizona. He is currently taking his doctorate degree in Applied Learning Science at the University of Miami, Florida. He took his Master of Arts in Education Major in Music Education at Sta. Isabel Conservatory of Music, Philippines in 2013. Mr. T took his Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at the University of Rizal System, Philippines in 2010.

Mr. T plays multiple instruments. His passion for music led him to create a learning design that uses music as a springboard in academic learning. Mr. T started a STEAM Music Academy where students explore STEAM concepts through music engineering. Due to the success of the academy, Tulinao had been doing lectures about his STEAM teaching methodology in various institutions like Arizona State University, STEM Teachers NYC, STEM Teachers Phoenix, Pendergast Elementary School District, and others. Mr. T was awarded as one of the 2021 National Science Teacher Association Shell Urban Teacher Development Awardees and was featured in news platforms like Fox 10 Phoenix, University of Miami News, Glendale Star, 12 News Arizona, and Inquirer US and Canada. Due to his work and advocacy, Tulinao was recently appointed as one of the Advisory Council for the Equitable and Inclusive Practices division of the Arizona Department of Education. He is also named as one of the Arizona Educational Foundation Ambassador of Excellence for the year 2022.

About Mr. T

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Doctor of Education (Ed. D) in Applied Learning Sciences

University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida (Cohort 2023)

Leadership West (https://leadershipwest.org/)

Alumni of Class XXVI, Phoenix, Arizona (2019 - 2020)

Master of Arts in Education Major in Music Education

Sta. Isabel College-Conservatory of Music, Manila (2011 – 2013)

Bachelor of Elementary Education Major in Content Courses

University of Rizal System, Morong Rizal (2006 – 2010)

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

Doctor of Education (Ed. D) in Applied Learning Sciences

University of Miami, Florida Cohort 2023

Leadership West (https://leadershipwest.org/)

Alumni of Class XXVI

Master of Arts in Education Major in Music Education

Sta. Isabel College-Conservatory of Music, Manila (2011 – 2013)

Bachelor of Elementary Education Major in Content Courses

University of Rizal System, Morong Rizal 2006 – 2010

ACHIEVEMENTS AND AWARDS

2021 University of Rizal System Outstanding Allumni 1

2021 Shell Urban Science Educators Development Award1

2016 Regional Festival of Talents Bigsaywit1

2016 Gawad Gintong Tipolo sa Buwan ng WikaC

2015 Gawad Gintong Tipolo sa Buwan ng WikaB

2015 Gawad Gintong Tipolo sa Buwan ng WikaA

NEWS & ARTICLES ABOUT MR. T

Issue 18 February, 2022 - Equity & Access Pre K-12 | The American Consortium for Equity in Education

The Arizona Educational Foundation recently named first-grade STEAM Academy teacher John Carlo Tulinao an Ambassador of Excellence…

2022 AEF Arizona Ambassador for Excellence

John Carlo Tulinao teaches general education and STEM at Amberlea Elementary School in the Pendergast Elementary School District.

S10 Episode 14: The Power of Teachers and Community with John Carlo Tulinao

Tulinao, originally from the Philippines, shares about how he became a teacher and how he approaches his practice …

Phoenix science teacher takes unique approach to teaching with music

A science teacher in Phoenix was recognized for his unique approach to teaching his students about …

MY GALLERY

WHAT KIDS LIKE ABOUT MR. T

TESTIMONIALS

What influential leaders say about Mr. T!

“Mr. Tulinao is an exemplary teacher and a great leader in the educational community. His desire to support, encourage, and champion students at Amberlea Elementary School, has allowed him to reach success and help students understand that education is essential for their future. There is no stronger advocate for meeting the needs of all children than Mr. Tulinao. He has become a pillar to the Amberlea community and a role model to the Pendergast team.”

Dr. Jennifer Cruz

Superintendent-Pendergast Elementary School District

“He entered my course with a well-earned reputation of being an exemplary elementary educator who sparks the curiosity and imagination of his students through his novel classroom programs that connect music to science, technology, engineering, and math concepts. Mr. Tulinao immediately demonstrated an extraordinary drive to learn new skills, consistently immersing himself in learning design concepts, actively seeking and incorporating feedback, and inspiring his colleagues to do their best.”

Matthew M. Acevedo, Ph.D.

Director of Learning Innovation and Faculty Engagement at the University of Miami

“In a world where our teachers are going above and beyond to meet the needs of our students, finding a person who stands out can be difficult. But, not for me. I am inspired and encouraged by the work I see from JC. I am challenged in my own career and outlook on life. I have never met someone who is more positive, willing to help, smart, and creative. He is constantly running into obstacles and finding ways to turn them into opportunities! He is an inspiration to his students, who look forward to coming to class and are excited to learn. He challenges himself to the same expectations he has for his own students. He is a lifelong learner and at each opportunity has found ways to continue his own leadership and educational growth.”

Michelle R. Hess

Councilmember for the City of Buckeye and Executive Director for Leadership West

“Mr. T has a great rapport with students, families, and the community. Students in Mr. T’s class come to school happy and excited to see him. As a colleague, he is very dependable and responsible, he is very reflective of his practices and he welcomes feedback. Mr. T implements feedback given to him right away and is ready to be a learner himself. Mr. T is a great teacher leader and exceptional classroom teacher that is always doing what is best for his students.”

Brischell Palmer-Eastburn

Instructional Coach - Amberlea Elementary School

“Mr. Tulinao has clearly demonstrated what an outstanding educator, mentor, and colleague he is. In Mr. Tulinao’s role as a first-grade teacher, he is not only seen by his title but he is viewed as an outstanding leader that is willing to share his knowledge with all the students at Amberlea. In the time I have worked with John, Mr. Tulinao has been an advocate not only for his classroom of students at our school but has also increased awareness of the growing need to integrate cultural awareness within the everyday classroom. Furthermore, he uses various platforms such as music to teach various subjects from reading to STEAM.”

Marisa Barrio

Principal at Amberlea Elementary

“John Carlo Tulinao has a strong leadership background and is a known leader by his colleagues in terms of cultural responsiveness, innovative approaches, and inclusivity in the field of teaching. Having been named as a National Science Teacher Association Shell Urban Science Teacher awardee for the field of STEM and most recently named as an Ambassador of Excellence for the Arizona Educational Foundation 2022 Teacher of the Year award, he exemplified an outstanding educator with diversity and we are happy to have him part of our Arizona Department of Education Equitable and Inclusive Practices Advisory Council (EIPAC).”

Kathy Hoffman, MS, CCC-SLP

Superintendent of Public Instruction – Arizona Department of Education

Connect with Mr. T

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