Jacqueline Elliott

Jacqueline Elliott was a gift to Tennessee’s foreign language teachers. She came wrapped up in a dazzling, infectious smile and glittering enthusiasm. After France was liberated during World War II, Jacqueline married an American Army officer, Warren Elliott. Jacqueline came to the United States with him and brought her inspiration to the University of Tennessee. Not only did Jacqueline share her love of French and the French culture with her students at the university, but she also had a vision that foreign language teachers across the state could thrive through cooperation and sharing. Today we call her vision the Tennessee Foreign Language Teaching Association.  

Perhaps Jacqueline Elliott is most aptly lauded through the words of her student, colleague, and friend, Saralee Peccolo-Taylor:

"On April 30, 2003, TFLTA lost one of its founders, Madame Jacqueline Eliott.  Her life was testimony to her belief that effective communication can peacefully bond people of different cultures, religions, and backgrounds. After serving her country in the French Resistance, she ventured to this country to share the beauty, culture and language of France with us. As a co-founder of TFLTA, she sets the stage for us to continue this quest through foreign language education. Her smile always radiated encouragement. Her laughter sparked adventure. Her kindness touched us all. Merci, Jacqueline! Jamais nous ne vous oublierons!"

Read Joyce McFall's poem in tribute to Jacqueline: Résistance