Infanta Sofía is due to deliver her first public speech outside Madrid on Wednesday in Zaragoza. Princess Leonor arrived that morning to support her younger sister, despite not being listed on the official schedule. Organized by Fundación Ibercaja, the gathering brings together 25 finalist teachers from across Spain to recognize new educational projects.
At the Monasterio de Cogullada, Sofía has met teachers and discussed their projects, while also taking part in workshops and group sessions. The program gives the event a practical focus. Its two-day theme, “Crea tu propia constelación” (“Create Your Own Constellation”), invites participants to shape training paths in educational leadership and sustainability. Other tracks focus on inclusive education, with separate options in educational research and comprehensive health education.
This afternoon, Sofía is due to preside over the formal ceremony, deliver her inaugural speech and present awards to five teachers named “docentes referentes” (“reference teachers”). The event also marks the launch of the Comunidad Docentes Referentes, a national network intended to support collaboration and innovation among educators during the 2026-2027 academic year and beyond.
Fundación Ibercaja’s education work in Zaragoza also includes a separate partnership with Fundación Bertelsmann. On 21 October, the regional government reported that the organizations had hosted activities linked to Xcelence, an academic and career guidance program. These included an international meeting at Fundación Ibercaja, as well as a launch session at Zaragoza’s Centro de Profesorado Juan de Lanuza. José Luis Ferrando, the regional director general responsible for educational policy, planning, equity and training, took part in the program.
The Docentes Referentes initiative has also featured educators from different settings and areas of practice. Ismael Simón Álvarez, a psychologist and educational counsellor who teaches in vocational and university education, was named among the 2026 finalists. His work covers emotional education and mental health, as well as learning and dyslexia-related educational practice, reflecting the range of subjects represented in the initiative.
Leonor’s unscheduled arrival made the sisters’ joint appearance a impressive feature of the day. Their public roles have also been visible elsewhere this month: on 23 October, the sisters jointly received recipients of the University of Oviedo’s 2025 end-of-degree awards. King Felipe VI has spoken separately about Leonor’s development as president of honor of the Fundación Princesa de Asturias and Sofía’s education and growing experience. He described Leonor as taking “firm steps” in her role.
The Zaragoza appearance reflects the sisters’ growing participation in public engagements, while the teachers’ program puts education and professional collaboration at the center of the event. The gathering also connects with Fundación Ibercaja’s wider education work in the city. Similar debates about public roles and institutional responsibilities have emerged elsewhere in Spain, including the debate over Canal Sur's newsroom management.
As Sofía prepares to deliver her first solo speech outside Madrid, Leonor’s presence offers a visible show of support. The launch of the Comunidad Docentes Referentes adds a continuing educational dimension to the ceremony, with the network intended to encourage collaboration among teachers beyond the event itself.
