Meet the ICS Merl Code Early Educators Fellows!

In September, ICS launched the inaugural cohort of ICS Honorable Merl F. Code Early Educators Fellowship to honor ICS Board Member Merl F. Code. This Fellowship highlights the importance of building and maintaining a robust pipeline of early career educators dedicated to the field of early childhood and improving child and family outcomes. We are excited about the impact on an area both central to the ICS mission and near and dear to Merl’s heart.

Merl F. Code is Of Counsel in the Greenville law firm of Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak, & Stewart, P.C. He is a municipal court judge in Greenville and the owner/president of several Upstate businesses. Merl’s parents, Mr. Allen L. Code Sr. and Mrs. Sedalia Blassingame Code, both educators, greatly influenced him. In addition to ICS and Furman University, Merl serves on several local boards. He proudly co-leads the Greenville Racial Equity and Economic Mobility Commission.

Each year, ICS will honor early childhood educators in South Carolina identified as up and coming leaders, or those who are working in institutes of higher education, spearheading the training of future early educators. Code Fellows will receive mentorship, develop and communicate a research plan supporting young children, access a Fellowship alumni network, and receive a monetary award.

The three focus tracks of the Fellowship are: Equity / Advocacy / Practice.

Assistant Professor of Early Childhood & Elementary Science Education: Equity Track

Steph is currently an Assistant Professor at Clemson University. She has spent 10 years teaching in the K-12 setting, with a focus on outdoor learning. She is passionate about co-constructing education programs with the communities she serves, and infusing social justice into the courses she teaches. A quote that was used to describe Steph is,“Other educators would learn to ‘teach without fear’ just by being around her.”

Early Head Start Teacher: Advocacy Track

Candice has worked in early childhood for 8 years, 6 of which were with Early Head Start. She is passionate about advocating for the needs of the children in her care, as well as their families. A colleague has stated the following about Candice: “That’s who Ms. Candice is. She’s going to do her best and operate with integrity whether or not anyone’s looking. She’s always prepared.”

Physical Education Teacher: Practice Track

Jacob is an early-career Physical Education teacher at Oak Grove Elementary School in Lexington, SC. His aim is to not only impart knowledge of the importance of physical health, but to also strengthen children’s life skills by fostering relationships. One of his colleagues shared that the school’s motto, “Be kind, work hard, be brave” is integrated into all Jacob does.

Childcare Specialist, SC First Steps – Family Voice Council Member: Advocacy Track

CaNihja is a licensed Childcare Specialist who has recently opened her own in-home childcare facility, Big Lib’s Little Blessings. She brings a background in business through her most recent position as a tax preparer in Bennettsville, SC. A colleague has asserted that CaNihja “speaks from a place of deep reverence for the needs of children and families.”