Father Poveda was deeply aware of both the need for education in his country, and for qualified teachers to provide it. He also saw this as an important role for women. In 1911 Pedro founded the St. Teresa of Avila Academy in Oviedo for those ladies studying to become teachers. He named it after St. Teresa of Avila, a woman of learning, a doctor of the Church, and a teacher of prayer. He named his organization the Teresian Association. Its aim is to invite men and women to work for a social and human transformation, in accordance with Gospel values, from the platform of their own professions, especially those related to the fields of education and culture. The early members of the Association were women involved in all levels of education, from elementary to the provision of higher education for women. Additional academies were established in many other cities of Spain.