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Emily Christina Vizzo
MFA


Emily Vizzo teaches Writers Workshop: Read and Critique and Memoir Writing for UC San Diego Extension's Creative Writing Certificate Program

Emily is a writer and educator. She previously covered Congress for the Scripps Howard News Service in Washington, D.C., and has written about topics including the biotech industry, corporate social justice, surf, the arts, education, business, and health. Her essay, "A Personal History of Dirt," was honored as a notable essay in Best American Essays 2013, and she was selected for inclusion within Best New Poets 2015. Her first book of poetry, Giantess, is available for preorder from YesYes Books, and a debut novel is represented by Frances Goldin Literary Agency in New York. She translates poetry from both Spanish and Italian.

Emily actively volunteers to support environmental protections for California’s Central Coast, and serves as Artist in Residence for the National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis, an independent research affiliate of the University of California, Santa Barbara. A 2018 Coastal Fund grant recipient, her workshops link scientists, artists, and community members through writing. She was recently voted to the Executive Committee for the Surfrider Santa Barbara Chapter.

Why She Loves Teaching
“I love seeing each writer move toward their original voice, arriving at the stories they feel they need to share with the world. It’s powerful and inspiring to see. When the class comes together to uplift, challenge, and support one another, I know that I’m in the right place. Class becomes a place to be deeply vulnerable, and to share what might otherwise be a lonely journey. We’re not only learning and writing together, but feeling connected.”

Professional Summary
Emily has been teaching since 2005, including K12 schools, community writing workshops, guest lectures, and college and university-level instruction. She has expertise in both in-person and online education, including curriculum development and professional development.

Credentials

  • MFA in Writing, Vermont College
  • Teaching Credentials, San Diego State University
  • B.A. in Political Science, University of California, San Diego
  • Ongoing: National Geographic Educator Certification

What Students Are Saying

By: LITERATURE OF IMMIGRATION STUDENT

"The best feature for me was the professor. She was always so helpful and available. It was my first online course and I enjoyed the experience thanks to her. I was very confused at first but she was so kind and patient with me explaining everything I needed to know. I am very happy with what I was able to learn. I had an amazing time producing the assignments…because I had the teacher's help."

Vizzo, Emily

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