40 Under 40: Missy Rivner

Missy Rivner is the middle school instructional leader at Atlanta Jewish Academy. She leads the middle school faculty in creating innovative educational experiences for students that are beginning to understand themselves as Jewish learners.

She grew up in Lincolnton, Ga., as part of the only Jewish family in the county and attended the University of Georgia, where she was active in Hillel, Sigma Delta Tau, 4-H, and the orientation staff.

“Being in places without many Jews made me appreciate my Jewishness and explore my identity a little more deeply because I was so different from the people around me,” She said. “That’s why I think it’s so important that we take opportunities to explore these identities early.”

Following college, Rivner joined Teach for America, teaching high school special education in the Mississippi Delta and middle school language arts in Atlanta.

She taught at The Davis Academy, and earned her master’s at Mercer University in Atlanta. Rivner graduated with her doctorate in instructional technology from Georgia State University.

She has served on the Jewish Family and Career Services board as the Volunteers in Action chair and helped to organize Mitzvah Day for young professionals in the Jewish community.

She lives in Toco Hills and is an active member of the Kehillat Ohr HaTorah (formerly Young Israel of Toco Hills) community.

“We are fortunate to have many opportunities in Atlanta for formal and informal Jewish education for both children and adults. It is never too late to learn something new,” Rivner said. “As a community, we will continue to thrive as long as we continue to value Jewish education.”

Rivner is married to her kindergarten sweetheart, Peter, and they have two boys, George, 4, and Dov, 1.