Introduction to Al Llorens
Albert “Al” Llorens, president of the Illinois Education Association and longtime high school teacher at Thornridge High School in suburban Dolton, has died, the IEA said Friday. Llorens, who taught math and coached girls’ track and cross-country at Thornridge for more than 30 years, died Thursday at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield. He was 73.
Early Life and Education
Raised in Englewood, Llorens attended Chicago Public Schools before receiving his bachelor’s in mathematics education from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from National Louis University. Earlier in his career, Llorens taught phonics and middle school reading in Champaign, and math and science in Kankakee and Chicago.
Career and Achievements
As IEA’s president, Llorens had most recently pushed back against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s arrests near Chicago area schools and, months earlier, the President Donald Trump administration’s effort to dismantle the federal Department of Education. Before being elected IEA president in 2023, Llorens had served as the group’s vice president, secretary and treasurer, and delegate to Education International in Germany and South Africa. He also served two terms on the board of the National Education Association, according to the IEA.
Tributes and Legacy
“Always leading with empathy, Llorens will be remembered for his kindness, his passion for public education and unions, his ability to put what’s best for students first, his dedication to the members of IEA and his devotion to his wife, Wanda,” the IEA said in a news release. In a statement, Gov. JB Pritzker said he is saddened by Llorens’ passing, whom he called “an advocate for our children’s education” and “a truly good man.” Chicago Teachers Union President Stacy Davis Gates called Llorens “an inspiration to thousands of students” and a leader connected to “the long history of Chicago black labor organizing.”
Reaction from Education Community
“Whether in the classroom or leading the Illinois Education Association, Al cared deeply about empowering the next generation and worked tirelessly to invest in their future,” Pritzker said. “He molded the minds of countless students and leaves behind a more equitable, supportive, and enriching education system.” NEA President Becky Pringle said, “Al dedicated his life to improving the lives of students and strengthening public education across Illinois and beyond. He was a tireless advocate for racial and social justice, always working to ensure that every student—no matter their background — had access to the opportunities they deserved.”
Conclusion
Al Llorens’ passing has left a void in the education community, but his legacy will continue to inspire and motivate educators and students alike. His dedication to public education, unions, and social justice has made a lasting impact on the state of Illinois and beyond. Karl Goeke, the vice president of the IEA, will serve the rest of Llorens’ term. Llorens is survived by his wife, Wanda, and his three children and two stepchildren.
FAQs
Q: What was Al Llorens’ role in the Illinois Education Association?
A: Al Llorens was the president of the Illinois Education Association.
Q: Where did Al Llorens teach?
A: Al Llorens taught at Thornridge High School in suburban Dolton.
Q: What was Al Llorens’ background?
A: Al Llorens was raised in Englewood and attended Chicago Public Schools.
Q: What were some of Al Llorens’ achievements?
A: Al Llorens served as the group’s vice president, secretary and treasurer, and delegate to Education International in Germany and South Africa, and served two terms on the board of the National Education Association.
Q: How has Al Llorens been remembered?
A: Al Llorens has been remembered for his kindness, passion for public education and unions, and dedication to his students and the IEA.
