1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Supporting Future Educators Act of 2017 . 2. Definitions In this Act: (1) ESEA definitions The terms dual or concurrent enrollment program , elementary school , local educational agency , and secondary school have the meanings given the terms in section 8101 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 7801 ). (2) Certified teacher The term certified teacher means an individual who possesses a document certifying that the individual has met the requirements of a State for employment as a teacher in the public schools of that State. (3) Eligible entity The term eligible entity means a local educational agency (or a consortium of such agencies) partnered with an institution of higher education. (4) Qualified mentor teacher The term qualified mentor teacher means an educator who meets a minimum set of qualification standards as determined by the Secretary. (5) Teaching residency program The term teaching residency program has the meaning given the term in section 200 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 ( 20 U.S.C. 1021 ), except that such term shall not include the requirement that the prospective teacher acquire a master's degree not later than 18 months after beginning the program. (6) Rural area The term rural area has the meaning given the term in section 343(a)(13)(A) of the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act ( 7 U.S.C. 1991(a)(13)(A) ). (7) Rural school district The term rural school district means a school district that serves 1 or more schools located in a rural area. (8) Secretary The term Secretary means the Secretary of Education. 3. Strengthen-Our-Schools Grant Program (a) Strengthen-Our-Schools Grant Program Established (1) Grants authorized From amounts appropriated to carry out this section, the Secretary shall establish a Strengthen-Our-Schools Grant Program, through which the Secretary shall award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible entities. (2) Duration A grant awarded under this section— (A) shall be for a period