Plan and practice each lesson. Students recognize the difference between a well-prepared and an unprepared teacher.
Ask a respected teacher at your school or in your department to mentor you. Write three to five professional goals and share these with your mentor. Revise them according to your mentor's advice.
Join a professional teacher network in your area. A colleague or administrator at your school should be able to tell you about applicable associations.
Teach students to work together and trust each other. Plan activities that encourage this interaction to create a professional learning environment.
Partner with one or more colleagues in your field to practice academic research if applicable. Do not attempt a project by yourself during your first year. Partnering will give you experience and build your professional network.
Keep learning. Sign up for a seminar or workshop even if the school won't pay for it. Professionals continually improve in their area of study.