I am 4'11" in my early 40's and starting a new job as a middle school teacher. I don't want to look like one of the students. Help!!!

Take Stacy's advice and wear structured jackets! I'm a teacher too and even if you wear jeans (only on Fridays) or khakis, you will not look like the kids if you do that.

Be super-careful about tops that show too much cleavage (YES, the boys are looking) or pants that are too low. You need to be able to bend over and pick things up without having to worry about showing something "inappropriate." Basically, if you wouldn't wear it to church, don't wear it to school.

Best of luck with your new job! The first year is really hard, but it gets better. And this job is NEVER boring.