The Ibercaja Foundation has announced the names of the five winners of the first edition of the «Docentes Referentes» aid program, an initiative aimed at promoting excellence, research, and innovation within Spain’s non-university educational system. This competition, which allocates €12,000 to each awarded project, is positioned as one of the most prestigious recognitions in the country for education professionals.
The program was launched in conjunction with the celebration of the foundation’s 150th anniversary and has achieved a broad national call, receiving a total of 478 applications from all 17 autonomous communities.
The final selection is the result of a rigorous evaluation process structured in two phases: an initial technical analysis conducted by a Committee of Experts, tasked with selecting the 25 finalists, and a final assessment by the jury. The General Director of the Ibercaja Foundation, José Luis Rodrigo, has highlighted the outstanding quality of the submitted projects and the transformative vision of the participants.
Awarded Profiles and Areas of Educational Impact
The five recognized educators represent different geographical regions and lead initiatives that address current classroom challenges in five specific categories:
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Educational Leadership: Cristian Ruiz Reinales, a teacher in Zaragoza, has implemented a model at Juan de Lanuza School that utilizes artificial intelligence, maker culture, and computational thinking to foster critical thinking and autonomy among students.
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Sustainability in Education: Belén María Mesas Sánchez, a teacher in Baza (Granada), promotes territorial commitment and active learning at IES Pedro Jiménez Montoya through environmental education projects and civic participation.
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Inclusive Education: Clement Córdoba Vila, a vocational training teacher in Cullera (Valencia), applies therapeutic horticulture and gamification methodologies at IES Blasco Ibáñez to support the inclusion of vulnerable students.
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Educational Research and Knowledge Transfer: Mercedes Carpintero Gómez, a teacher in Laguna de Duero (Valladolid), is developing research at CEIP La Laguna focused on how students’ beliefs influence their learning in mathematics.
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Integral Health Education: Diego Olivar Aldudo, director of CEIP Pedro Gómez Bosque in Valladolid, leads a project that establishes emotional education as an independent curricular area to enhance well-being and prevention in early ages.
Training Sessions and Institutional Support from the Crown
As an integral part of the competition, the 25 finalists will gather on July 7 and 8 at the Ibercaja Foundation Campus facilities in Zaragoza. During this meeting, centered around the concept «Create Your Own Constellation,» the professionals will participate in conferences, collaborative laboratories, and workshops that will allow them to customize their training in the five strategic areas of the award.
The sessions will conclude on July 8 with the official ceremony for the presentation of the financial awards. This ceremony will be presided over by H.R.H. Infanta Doña Sofía. This event marks the first time the Infanta has taken on an honorary presidency in an institutional initiative, underscoring the Spanish Crown’s support for the teaching profession as a cornerstone of social progress.
The «Docentes Referentes» program is set up with a commitment to annual continuity and is aimed at active educators working in public, private, or concerted schools, covering everything from Early Childhood Education to Special Education and Vocational Training.
