DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Two Iowa school districts have received a multimillion-dollar national grant to help teachers and principals develop their skills as educators.

Gov. Terry Branstad announced Thursday that the Central Decatur Community School District and the Saydel Community School District have won the grant, which will provide $2.3 million in its first two years.

The project is designed to help teachers build their skills through mentoring, and by offering additional university training to teachers who specialize in science, technology, engineering and math. Part of the project will allow veteran teachers to focus solely on helping other staff and analyzing student achievement data.

The grant comes from the U.S. Department of Education and the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching. It was one of 35 awarded nationwide.