‘He will be missed beyond measure’: Al Llorens, statewide education union president, dead at 73

Albert J. “Al” Llorens, president of the Illinois Education Association, died Thursday, Sept. 25, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield. He was 73.

Llorens, who grew up on Chicago’s southwest side and attended Chicago Public Schools, spent more than 30 years as a high school math teacher and head girls’ track and cross country coach at Thornridge High School in Dolton, Illinois. He had been an IEA member since 1985.

The state’s largest education union represents 135,000 members including prekindergarten through 12th grade teachers outside the city of Chicago, education support personnel, higher education faculty, retired education employees and students preparing to become teachers.

Earlier in his career, Llorens taught fourth-grade phonics and middle school reading in Champaign, and as a math and science teacher in Kankakee and Chicago.

He is remembered for his kindness, passion for public education and unions, his ability to put students first, dedication to IEA members.

“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,” said Gov. JB Pritzker in a news release. “He molded the minds of countless students and leaves behind a more equitable, supportive, and enriching education system.”

National Education Association President Becky Pringle, a close friend of Llorens, said he dedicated his life to improving the lives of students and strengthening public education across Illinois.

“His leadership was rooted in compassion, vision, and an unwavering belief in the power of education to transform communities,” Pringle said. “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.”

Before being elected IEA president in the spring of 2023, Llorens spent two terms each as the union’s vice president and secretary/treasurer. He also served two terms on the NEA board.

NEA Executive Director Kim Anderson said Llorens was a trusted mentor and provided “steadfast support and guidance” to NEA leaders and staff.

“He will be missed beyond measure,” she said.

Llorens is survived by his wife, Wanda, three children and two stepchildren. Funeral arrangements are pending.