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.

“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.”

“Whether in t

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