Frederick Poole
Assistant Professor and Director of MAFLT program
Dr. Poole serves as Academic Director of the Master of Arts in Foreign Language Teaching program at Michigan State University. He earned his doctorate in Instructional Technology and Learning Sciences and a master's degree in Second Language Teaching from Utah State University. His research focuses on games in language learning, digital literacy, collaborative reading, and applications of artificial intelligence in language teaching and learning. Prior to grad school, he taught English as a Foreign Language in China, Spain, and Chile, including a four-year stint as Director of Studies at a language school in China. He has also taught Chinese as a foreign language and explored pedagogical innovations including a graded-reader series for L2 Chinese, using WeChat for language exchanges, board games for Chinese learning, and a 2D role-playing game for Chinese learners. He has published in journals including Foreign Language Annals, Language Learning & Technology, and the Journal of the Chinese Language Teachers Association. Many of his resources are shared at fredpoole.github.io.
Program Overview
The Master of Arts in Foreign Language Teaching (MAFLT) is a distance-based graduate program designed to meet the needs of current and aspiring language educators around the world. Unlike other professional development options for language teachers, this degree offers a multilingual approach grounded in applied linguistics. Over 20 languages have been represented by students, alumni, and faculty. Our students explore current proficiency-based approaches while building an international community with other engaged and inquisitive educators. Courses in the MAFLT make it a priority to keep content close to the classroom while also addressing a wide range of theory and practices, incorporating national and international standards, and encouraging leadership in the field. The online format allows busy professionals to add a credential while continuing in their current positions. Time to completion ranges from 5 semesters to 5 years. Class size is typically capped at 15, which allows for frequent and substantial interaction with peers and faculty. Fully accredited, with flexible options for pacing.
Program Outcomes
We know that not everyone who speaks a language can teach it effectively. We also know that many language teachers move into the classroom immediately recognize that they would benefit from further guidance and inspiration. Proficiency in the target language is expected; what our students gain is a greater ability to articulate their beliefs, values, and practices and then to promote excellence in themselves and others. The 8 required courses in the program offer a coherent and balanced set of tools for curriculum design, assessment, teaching intercultural competence, instructional technology, and research methods. The capstone Experiential Module project is uniquely customized for each student in consultation with a faculty mentor. Graduates walk away with an online teaching portfolio that demonstrates and presents their accomplishments long after the program ends.
Related Program: Graduate Certificate, Foreign Language Teaching
Career Outlook
MAFLT students and alumni include current K-12 teachers with an undergraduate degree in education, career changers, international teachers who are changing countries, and more. Whether their primary goal is moving into the language teaching profession, maintaining excellence in their current role, moving up the pay scale, shifting into administration, developing skills for supervising other teachers, continuing to a doctoral program, or exploring other roles in language education, our students consolidate existing experience and develop a wider range of awareness and skills. Final projects and portfolios vary depending on the career goals of the student and can focus on action research, program administration, materials design, community engagement, language immersion, and more.
A Top-Ranked Education
- 29th among Best Public Universities in America — U.S. News & World Report, 2026
- Veteran-Friendly 'Gold Status' 10 Years in a Row — Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, 2025
- #22 in Best Education Schools— U.S. News & World Report, 2026
- #13 in Best Online Master's in Education Programs — U.S. News & World Report, 2026
Tuition & Fees per credit
In-State Tuition
Out-of-State Tuition
International Tuition
$770
$770
$770
Cost of Attendance
The university reserves the right to make changes in the types, structures, rates for fees, and tuition. Every effort will be made to give as much advance notice as possible. In addition to tuition and fees, there are other expenses associated with your Cost of Attendance. A breakdown of a graduate student budget can be found on the "Estimate Your Cost of Attendance" page.