Paul DiFalco is a math teacher, softball coach, and Student Council Advisor at Rice Memorial High School he was inspired by an English teacher. DiFalco has been teaching for 44 years, having taught at Rice for six years then switching to teach at Essex for a year, then back to Rice. He finds the most challenging part teaching is reaching out to all students, especially in large classes. His favorite part of teaching is when the kids catch on and understand what is going on and being able to help as many kids as possible understand hard concepts. 

A really interesting fact about DiFalco is that he has seen Bruce Springsteen over 40 times! DiFalco has coached softball at Rice for 22 years.  He values the Rice community and the ability to pray in the classroom as a teacher in a Catholic school. 

What inspired you to be a teacher?

“I actually had an English teacher when I was a junior in high school. He was also a baseball coach and… just the way he carried himself and that he enjoyed what he was doing. And I said Hey! I want to do that.” 

What is your favorite thing about teaching?

“Good kids, most of the time, having fun, and being able to go into my classroom and do my thing. Seeing when kids catch on, it’s a weird feeling. I like to think I get across to them. I try to present stuff in an easy way for them, especially math. It’s hard for everybody, so I try to present it, and it’s great to see when they [say], “Oh, got it!”

If a family was to ask you why should I send my kids to Rice? What would you say?

“They are getting excellent education here. A good sense of community if you want to be a part of that. I really do think that we have a very caring faculty, you can see that by the amount of faculty that goes to games and theater events… Most importantly, you’re going to get a good education. And we have the ability to say “God” and not be punished for it. We’re allowed to pray, which is a good thing.” 

What is your favorite thing about pep rallies?

“I just think I enjoy the fact that we all get together and cheer each other on. I think the competitions are fun and I love recognizing all the athletes, at the same time recognizing the theater people and drumline.” 

How long have you advised Student Council?

“I want to say, 18 years.”

How long have you coached softball?

“This is my 22nd year.”

What is your favorite thing about prom?

“Just seeing everybody dressed up and having a lot of fun. It’s usually a great time. If we have good weather, it’s even better.” 

What is your favorite thing about the softball team?

“Just having fun, being outside, and winning. Mostly having fun which I think we try to do , but you know, you want to be serious. We want to win this year.  We want to win a championship. But that’s going to be really fun playing a game and having fun doing it.”

What is your favorite sport to watch?

“Softball, but I enjoy soccer… I do the scoreboard, but I would probably go anyway…I played soccer growing up. I coached it for many years. I love watching it. So I would, even if I didn’t do the scoreboard for these, for the teams, I would definitely go watch them. And then I love, I love going to the basketball games. I love them all. If I can go, I go.”