Adoption Matters

Robin K. Fox holds a B.A. in early childhood education from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, a M.A. in early childhood exceptional education from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, and a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is a former Head Start teacher and director, university childcare teacher and director, and is now a professor in curriculum and instruction. She is Associate Dean of the College of Education and Professional Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Dr. Fox is on the board of directors for Adoption Choice, Inc. Her areas of research include teacher preparation and adoption, young children who are gender fluid, and work with schools on how to be inclusive of members of the LGBTQ community.

• Acknowledgments – Holly Elissa Bruno: Foreword – Robin K. Fox: Introduction – Section One Insights and Strategies for Teaching Children Who Were Adopted – Sharon M. Kolb: Adoption: The Gift of Hope and Opportunity – Andrea Maxworthy O’Brien: "There Are All Kinds of Mamas": Exploring Diverse Families Through Children’s Literature – Sara Michael Luna: "I’m Not Related to Anyone I Know": Adoption, Books, and Belonging – Anne D’Antonio Stinson: "I Think I Blew It": Reconsidering My Stance as a Parent of Children Who Were Adopted in Middle Childhood and Adolescence – Section Two Professional Experiences of Teacher Educators Who Have Adopted Children – Robin K. Fox: "I Have a Ph.D. and This Is Hard for Me!": An Early Childhood Educator and Parent of Children Who Were Adopted Rethinks Her Practice – Elizabeth M. Hughes King: Unpacking Misconceptions Along the Adoption Journey – Troy Moldenhauer: When Four Became More – Tracey G. Scherr: Bridging Three Continents to Build a Family and Enhance a Career – Wade Tillett: Through the Lens: Family Videos, Adoption Stories, and Instrumental Truths – Section Three Personal Experiences Arising From Adoption by Teacher Educators – Johnny Cole: "He Can’t Be Your Dad!": The Intersection of Race, Adoption, and Gay Marriage – Lana Collet-Klingenberg: That Was Fun. Let’s Do It Again!: Adopting Older Children From China Having Already Raised One Family – Brandi S. Niemeier: Renewed Perspectives for Health Promotion Education – Penny Portman: Raising a Global Family and Balancing a Career as a Single Parent – Mary Kilar: And the Greatest of These Is Love – Ozalle Toms: More Than Textbook Knowledge: Truths About Adoption Arising From Life Experience – Robin K. Fox: Conclusion – Contributors.

“This book is a unique compilation of essays representing the lived and professional experiences of teacher educators who have diverse connections to adoption. This is an honest, eye-opening, and insightful read for those (e.g., educators, clinicians, and medical professionals) who work with individuals who are adopted and their families. The stories shared not only include resources and ideas, but the rich individualized narratives make for an accessible and heartfelt text about expanded notions of adoption, children, and family that will universally and personally resonate with any reader.”—Rachel H. Farr, Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Kentucky