Training Online for Teaching or Counseling

I'm a 2005 graduate with a bachelor's in sociology, and now want to embark on a career which involves children. Whether it's in teaching or counseling, I know I want to work in the public school system. I'm about to have a baby and would like to take some online classes while I'm home. And unfortunately, my credit isn't very good. What kind of student loan could I get with poor credit?

Taking online graduate-level classes in education would be worthwhile. Before you decide if you'd like to become a school teacher or counselor, check with your local schools regarding their educational requirements for those positions. Some school districts (and some states) require public school counselors to have teaching experience before they can receive counseling certifications.

For either career, you'll need to fulfill at least one semester of student-teaching or student-counseling to become certified. You'll work with an experienced teacher or counselor in a school, often on a full-time basis without pay. Depending on the program, you should be able to complete most requirements online.

As for obtaining student loans, if you're accepted into a program that grants federal financial aid to its students (those which are accredited by a regional accrediting body), you can receive funding regardless of your credit history. If you're accepted into one of these schools, you might also qualify for need-based grants. Private education loans are also sometimes available, but they are riskier, especially for someone with bad credit (your interest rates will be higher and your payment plan less flexible). Your best bet is to ensure that your school of choice is eligible for federal financial aid.