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MEET THE DIRECTOR
MEET THE DIRECTOR
Marielena Teng (she/her) earned a bachelor’s in Music Education from San Diego State University (SDSU). As a San Diego local she started her career as a Choir Director in the San Diego Unified School District and since then has focused her teaching in the Mira Mesa area such as Wangenheim Middle School, Challenger Middle school and Mira Mesa High School. Ms. Teng is currently the Choir Director at Mira Mesa High School and the Intermediate Choir Director for the San Diego Children's Choir. She student taught at Wangenheim Middle and rebuilt the choral program at Challenger Middle from 2020-2026. She was also the Vice President of Choral Education for CMEA-SBS from 2023-2026.
Within her early years of teaching, Ms. Teng has been recognized for her commitment in choral education and have received the following awards and recognitions. The Rising Star Award for New Upcoming Teachers in SDUSD (2022), Mackenzie-Haney Secondary Award for Choral Education at the Secondary Level (2023), the Pearson-Silver Burdett Choral Educator Award recognized by the California Music Educators Association Southern Border Section (2023) and was the Guest Conductor for the SDUSD 5th Grade Honor Choir (2025).
THE "BIG REBUILD" PLAN
THE "BIG REBUILD" PLAN
Since Ms. Teng's first year as a coach in 2018 at MMHS, she has dedicated her time and efforts in rebuilding the choral program back to it's original beginner to advance level structure. After receiving her Pre-Credentials in 2020 she reached out to both Principals at MMHS (Mr. Jeff Sabins) and CMS (Mr. Erik Sullivan) and offered a 3-5 year plan to start and rebuild both Choral Programs at both of the sites at the same time. With the support and approval from both Principals, both programs have grown successfully and have gone above and beyond. With humble beginnings of one class per school site, both locations now have multiple ensembles in their curriculum with history of hosting and receiving high ratings at festivals and CMEA State recognition. The "Big Rebuild" was a success but the next challenge is to maintain these opportunities moving forward. If you wish to support and make a positive impact to the students, please donate, spread the word and encourage your student(s) to continue singing in the Mira Mesa area.
When donating, please select "Choir" as your category after selecting your amount.
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