Welcome To
STARBASE Weatherford
The Stafford Air & Space Museum is the new home for Weatherford STARBASE, bringing this vital Department of Defense STEAM program to an exciting new location. Despite recent funding challenges, we remain committed to providing hands-on learning experiences in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math to fifth graders across western Oklahoma. Our partnership with the Stafford Air & Space Museum on historic Route 66 offers students access to world-class aerospace exhibits and family passes for Star students. We proudly continue serving schools throughout the region—launching Oklahoma's aerospace future from our new home.
Contact
2026 Summer STEAM Camps
Registration Opens in March!
Check with your local participating school for details on our summer camp sessions. Advanced programs available for older students.
No cost to families. Permission slip required. Bring your sack lunch and drink everyday.
Meet the Staff
Shannan Cloud
Director
I’m Shannan Cloud, and I’m the Director here at STARBASE. I joined STARBASE after teaching fourth grade at Merritt Elementary, as well as teaching in Oklahoma City, Guatemala, and Bolivia. I studied Child Development at Oklahoma State University and hold two master’s degrees—one in Education and one in Theology. I am a former United Methodist minister before stepping into the world of STEAM education. My favorite part of STARBASE is helping students problem solve and think outside of the box. One of my favorite activities is teaching a rap I wrote about endothermic and exothermic reactions, where I get to perform as “Inspector Spunky.”
Outside of STARBASE, I enjoy writing Bible studies, attending church with my family, watching my daughter compete in rodeo, and cheering on my son in college. I’m originally from Weatherford and graduated from Weatherford High School in 1988. I’m also bilingual in Spanish. If I could have any superpower, I’d choose the ability to travel anywhere instantly with the blink of an eye. My advice for future scientists and engineers: Learning is supposed to be challenging—and that’s a good thing! It’s how your brain grows. Embrace the process, enjoy discovering new things, and always remember that you can do hard things.
Heather Rutherford
Deputy Director
Hi! I’m Heather Rutherford, and I’m the Deputy Director here at STARBASE and have been here since January ‘23. I joined STARBASE after teaching for Epic, as well as teaching at Merritt, Elk City, and serving as an adjunct for SWOSU. I studied Natural Science at SWOSU.
My favorite part of STARBASE is watching students who may struggle with traditional classroom work have those lightbulb moments. I love helping students discover that they can do hard things and watching their confidence grow as they succeed.
When I’m not at STARBASE, I love spending time with my family. A fun fact about me is that I enjoy baking all the different flavors of sourdough bread. If I could have any superpower, I’d choose never having to remember a password again—because they would just autofill in my brain! My advice for future scientists and engineers: Dream big
Becki Hubin
Program Instructor
Hi! I’m Becki Hubin, and I’m one of the Program Instructors here at STARBASE. I joined STARBASE in July of 2025 after teaching 20 years at Weatherford Public Schools. My teaching experiences evolved into writing STEAM curriculum, serving as WPS 2nd-6th Grade STEAM Educator and developing STEAM camps.
I received my Elementary Education degree at Kansas State University. My favorite part of STARBASE is being encouraged to "just be me’ and letting my love for teaching pour out of me into our students. I love asking unsolved STEAM questions and encouraging "outside of the box" thinking. When I’m not at STARBASE, I love to craft.
A fun fact about me is that I am an entrepreneur. If I could have any superpower, it would be to "zip zap" around from state to state to see my family and friends any time I wanted. My advice for future scientists and engineers: reach beyond what you think is possible.
Local Connections in STEAM
Learning Takes Flight
STARBASE Weatherford students get to explore science and space firsthand with visits to the Stafford Air & Space Museum.
Testimonials
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We’ll be the first to admit it—“year-round” can sound awful to a classroom teacher.
We know… because we’ve been there.
Between us, our STARBASE team brings 60+ years of classroom teaching experience, and every single one of us understands the weight of traditional school schedules, pay scales, and burnout.
Yes—most teaching jobs pay more.
Yes—most aren’t year-round.
And yet…
Every one of us will tell you this is the best teaching job we’ve ever had!!!!! B.E.S.T.!
Why?
Because the curriculum is done.
Because there’s no duty, no grades, no parent conferences.
Because discipline isn’t on your shoulders.
Because your time is respected.
Because the benefits are exceptional.
And because you get to actually teach super cool experiments—and then go home.
Year-round isn’t for everyone. But for the right teacher, the trade-offs are more than worth it. If you’ve ever wished teaching felt lighter, clearer, and more focused on students than systems—this might surprise you.
Take a look at the pros and cons. We get it either way. 💙
Link to apply in comments!
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And…that’s a wrap Clinton 5. What a fabulous week! Thank you for celebrating our new space with us!
Thank you Chris Gramer for being our career speaker this week!
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OFFICIAL 1ST CLASS in our brand new space at the Stafford Air & Space Museum! Clinton schools, you have been amazing! STARBASE has loved teaching this group concepts in chemistry, robotics, CAD, chromatography, and much more. Take a look at our fun together in the photos below.
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