Don't just recite a list of facts to your students. Rather, ask questions, listen and demonstrate. Be willing to deviate from the plan, if possible, when you sense a learning opportunity and pursue areas of interest for your students. Pay attention to what your kids respond to, what they're curious about and what they do well. Capitalize on their strengths and support their weaknesses.
Good teachers are passionate about two things: their subject and their students. Truly love the subject you teach and try to communicate that to your students. They will see your passion and respond to it, especially if they understand that you care just as much about them, their interests, needs and passions. Show your students how the lessons you teach can make their lives better.
Rather than trying to impart the minimum amount of necessary information, go for the maximum. Far too many kids are bored in class. Challenge them, but do it in an understanding way. Start by finding out what they already know and build on that. Immerse yourself in the subject to do this well. Read, study and go to conferences to find out as much as you can, and bring that back to your students.
Don't be afraid to relax and enjoy yourself. Tell jokes, play games and do entertaining projects with the students, as long as it all contributes to the learning of the subject. Doing so will help the students relax and relate to you and the subject matter. Use a variety of approaches, like reading, writing, acting out and hands-on projects. Be creative and take the students' suggestions, too.
Be clear in explaining exactly what you expect them to achieve, and how you, as a class, are going to get there. Give explicit instructions, explained as many different ways as necessary to ensure the students understand them.