BARBARA ECTOR
Cleveland Education Leader
Barbara Beathe (Simpson) Ector, born on July 11, 1957, in Memphis, Tennessee, was the daughter of Dorothy S. (Grant) Simpson and Floyd Simpson, Sr. In 1987, she moved to Cleveland, Tennessee, where she began working for the Cleveland City School system.
Over her 44-year career, Barbara held various roles, including teaching in Memphis, managing at AT&T and Southwestern Bell, and working as a vocational rehabilitation consultant. Her most notable work was with Cleveland City Schools, where she served as a middle school teacher, curriculum coordinator, and Principal of the Denning Center.
Barbara earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from George Peabody College and an Educational Specialist Degree from Lincoln Memorial University. Her numerous accolades include Teacher of the Year awards, including from the National Middle School Social Studies Association. Barbara found her greatest fulfillment in her faith, family, and ministry, co-founding Unity Christian Ministries and serving as a counselor and mentor.