[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 160 (Tuesday, September 30, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E918]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE REMARKABLE LIFE AND LEGACY OF ALBERT J. ``AL'' LLORENS

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. RAJA KRISHNAMOORTHI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 30, 2025

  Mr. KRISHNAMOORTHI. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the remarkable 
life and legacy of my good friend, Albert J. ``Al'' Llorens.
  Born and raised in Chicago, Al grew up in Englewood on the Southwest 
side and attended Chicago Public Schools. He went on to earn his 
bachelor's degree in mathematics education from the University of 
Illinois at Champaign and later a master's degree in curriculum and 
instruction from National Louis University.
  Al was, above all, a good man. He believed deeply that making the 
world a better place begins in the classroom. For more than 30 years, 
he poured his heart into teaching mathematics and coaching at the high 
school level. He loved the classroom and dedicated himself to 
empowering the next generation of students.
  But Al's impact reached far beyond the walls of any classroom. Even 
when he stepped away from teaching--always calling it a ``leave of 
absence'' rather than a retirement--he carried his passion for students 
into his work with the Illinois Education Association. Before being 
elected IEA president in 2023, Al served two terms each as vice 
president and secretary/treasurer, working tirelessly to address the 
teacher shortage crisis in Illinois and to ensure that every student 
had access to a higher quality education. As president of the IEA, he 
was a giant in education, fighting for his beloved teachers and 
students until the very end. Al dedicated his life to strengthening 
public education as he believed deeply in its power to transform 
communities, leaving a legacy that will continue to change the lives of 
many.
  I will miss Al not only for what he accomplished, but for how he 
carried himself. He was a friend to all, a leader who combined 
compassion with resolve, and a fierce advocate for public education.
  Mr. Speaker, I extend my deepest condolences to his beloved wife, 
Wanda, his children, and his grandchildren. May they find comfort in 
knowing that Al's life's work continues in the generations of students 
and educators he inspired.

                          ____________________