Ellen Wang

English Teacher

Ellen holds a Bachelor of Arts from Smith College, a Juris Doctor from the University of Notre Dame, and a Master of Education from Harvard University. Before joining Moonshot Academy, she spent four years teaching in an innovative honors program in Shenzhen, where she designed and delivered engaging ELA courses for middle and high school students with diverse language abilities.

Ellen teaches Upper-Intermediate English (ENGL4001) and Pre-Advanced English (ENG4902), a nonfiction course designed to help learners master academic English, develop intellectual skills, and engage with a wide range of nonfiction texts from diverse fields.

Curriculums2

ENGL4902: Pre-Advanced English(Nonfiction)

The Pre-Advanced English (Nonfiction) course is designed for learners eager to enhance their mastery of academic English, develop their intellectual prowess, and immerse themselves in a wide range of nonfiction texts across diverse fields. Centered around the theme of transformative change, this course integrates the development of academic literacy with examinations of substantive topics and contemporary issues relevant to learners’ lives, bridging classroom learning with real-world contexts. Throughout the course, learners will develop their powers of analysis in reading and writing. They will gain proficiency in interpreting complex nonfiction texts and sharpen their critical reading through textual and rhetorical analysis. They will also fine-tune their writing skills, transforming analytical insights into coherent and compelling arguments. Learners are encouraged to bring their reflective, expressive, and creative selves to the classroom as they engage in discussions, exchange ideas, and reflect on the impact of transformative forces on their personal lives, society, and the future we aim to create. By the end of the course, it is our hope that learners will not only have acquired the academic skills and analytical acumen necessary to excel in advanced English courses and undergraduate studies, but also have gained a profound understanding of critical issues, empowering them to navigate the complexities of the 21st century with confidence and insight.

Projects1

AI Unraveled: Delving Into the Debates on Artificial Intelligence

Disciplines/Subjects: Pre-Advanced English - Nonfiction Key Themes: Human Relationship with Technology, Machine Intelligence, Computational Creativity, AI Ethics, Narrative (Media Representation) of AI This project invites students to become thought leaders by exploring the complexities of AI and its connections to intelligence, creativity, and ethics. Tackling controversial topics, they aim to spark curiosity, challenge misconceptions, and inspire critical thinking about AI's impact on the future. Students begin by selecting a contested issue in artificial intelligence to investigate. They gather perspectives through surveys, informal conversations, and real-world examples, using their findings to shape a thesis and driving question. To support their position, students are required to use case examples to illustrate and support their argument. The project culminates in an 800–1200-word essay, complemented by a creative cover page, showcasing their insights and discoveries. Students are also expected to share their views in an engaging presentation that raises awareness about the AI issue and encourages personal reflection on their learning journey. To extend their advocacy, they design a compelling postcard to communicate their message and spark dialogue beyond the classroom. Through this work, students develop expertise, promote informed perspectives, and inspire meaningful conversations about one of the most critical topics of our time.