Albert “Al” Llorens, president of the Illinois Educational Association and a former Thornridge High School teacher and coach of more than 30 years, has died.

The IEA in a news release Friday said Llorens will be remembered for his kindness, empathy and dedication to the state union that represents 135,000 prekindergarten through 12th grade instructors outside of Chicago. He was elected IEA president in 2023 having been an IEA member since 1985 and the union’s vice president and secretary/treasurer.

Llorens died Thursday at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, according to the IEA. He was 73.

IGov. JB Pritzker in the IEA news release said Llorens, both as a teacher and IEA president, was focused on empowering the next generation and investing in union members.

“He molded the minds of c

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