Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago

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Illinois Education Association President Albert J. Llorens was posthumously named the 2026 NEA Friend of Education.

The award is given to individuals or organizations whose leadership and advocacy have made a powerful impact on public education, educators, and students across the nation.

Al's widow, Wanda Llorens, accepted on his behalf during NEA's 2026 Representative Assembly held in Denver, Colorado. The NEA Friend of Education Award is NEA's highest honor.