The virtue and values education centre. Establishing a research and transference centre for virtue and character education in Spain

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Abstract

Amid the renewed international interest in values and moral education, virtue and character education are increasingly recognized as key approaches to fostering human flourishing. This paper examines the development and work of the Centro de Educación en Virtudes y Valores (CEV), a research and transfer centre for character education in Spain. While such centres have grown globally, this study asks: What are the key features of a research and transfer centre designed to promote character and virtue education across educational contexts, such as culturally specific environments like Spain. The study uses a descriptive and exploratory case study approach. Data were collected using a mixed-methods design, including surveys, semi-structured interviews, and analysis of internal reports and programme evaluations. These methods enabled a triangulated understanding of the CEV’s educational philosophy, programme implementation, and institutional impact. The first section explores the centre’s anthropological foundations, educational rationale, and programme design. The second outlines the CEV’s transfer efforts in universities and schools, including diagnostic tools and teacher training programmes. Findings suggest that the CEV distinguishes itself through its neo-Aristotelian and Thomistic anthropological framework, emphasis on teacher flourishing and accompaniment, and its culturally adapted virtue taxonomy. Evaluations of its programmes show high satisfaction and impact among participants, reinforcing the value of sustained, relational, and context-sensitive character education. The paper concludes by identifying future lines of research, such as comparative studies with other character education research centres and the long-term impact of teacher formation on educational communities.