A Filipino teacher in Phoenix, Arizona has been recognized for effectively using music and culture in educating his students in science and other related subjects.

John Carlo Tulinao is among the recipients of this year’s Shell Urban Science Educator Development Award, which provides support for “outstanding diverse educators in pursuit of professional development” according to awarding body, the National Science Teaching Association.

Tulinao, a first grade Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) teacher at the Amberlea Elementary School, recounted how his superintendent tapped him to create a program that uses music as a “springboard” to academic learning after seeing him teach subjects in a musical manner.