MACTE recognized 14 outstanding teacher interns from each of Mississippi’s colleges and universities charged with preparing educators for P-12 schools. The ceremony was held at the Mississippi Department of Education in Jackson.

Toy completed her internship at Annunciation Catholic School and at the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science.

Dr. Sue Jolly-Smith, MUW representative for MACTE, said, "This is a very special event for us because through the awards we recognize all that the educator preparation programs strive for in our graduates. These honorees are highly capable emerging professionals who will be outstanding future teachers in Mississippi schools. Alisa Toy is an exemplary representative of MUW."

Toy also has been described as a great ambassador for the MUW music department.

“She has been a great student with an extremely high grade point average and played an invaluable role in our department,” said Dr. Julia Mortyakova, chair of the music department. “In addition to her teaching, she has also excelled in performance activities as well as leadership roles.”

Toy said, “I find an enormous amount of joy in the making and sharing of music. Being able to share that joy with others and to help them reach and discover their individual abilities brings me great satisfaction. I have already taught privately for 17 years and plan on teaching publicly while I pursue my master’s and doctoral degrees.”

Affiliated with the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, MACTE is vitally interested in the support and enhancement of all aspects of education in Mississippi. Its members work cooperatively within the organization, as well as with the Mississippi Department of Education and other statewide education groups.