Outstanding Teaching Award: Rachel August

Sacramento State Psychology Professor Rachel August is dedicated to her teaching, and it shows. She received the 2007-08 Outstanding Teaching Award from the College of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies.

“It was an honor to represent the department. It was a humbling experience to be among other nominees who have contributed and achieved a great deal,” she says.

August received her undergraduate’s degree at the University of Virginia and a graduate’s degree from Claremont University. She is in her 11th year at Sacramento State and says she still feels the same satisfaction and inspiration from her job as she did when she first started.
 
“I’m originally from northern California, and coming to teach at Sacramento State simply felt right. There are wonderful, hard-working people in our department and I was happy to be a part of the Sacramento State community,” she says. “Working at Sacramento State has allowed me to do what I love, bringing much enjoyment to my life.”

She says the best part of her job is the process of learning, exchange and interaction.
 
“I love to watch people learn. It’s simply fun” she says. “In the classroom, we all share a common goal of learning -- students and instructors alike. I strive to formulate a methodology which best facilitates students in the learning process. Witnessing people building their skills and broadening their knowledge creates a feeling of enjoyment and excitement in the classroom.”