John Tector holds a Bachelor of Arts in Scholastic Philosophy from St. Bonaventure University, a Bachelor of Architecture from Case Western Reserve University, a Master of Applied Sciences from the University of Waterloo and a Doctorate in Philosophy in Man Environment Relations from Pennsylvania State University.

Since 1975 he has taught at the College of Design at North Carolina State University where he is an Associate Professor of Architecture. He has offered instruction in architectural design studio at the sophomore and intermediate levels, in design methods, design computing and representation. He also developed the Sight, Sound and Motion workshops for accessibility awareness. Professor Tector has served on numerous graduate committees.

In the fall of 1997, Professor Tector became the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the College of Design. He now serves as the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies and Academic Support.