When it comes to teaching, having the right tools can make all the difference. And one essential tool for any teacher is a reliable pen. Whether you’re grading papers, writing on the whiteboard, or taking notes during professional development sessions, having a pen that writes smoothly and consistently is a must. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up the 20 best teacher pens that you’ll reach for over and over again.

1. Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pens: These pens are known for their vibrant colors and smooth writing experience. Perfect for grading, highlighting, or doodling during meetings.

2. Pilot G2 Retractable Gel Pens: Loved by many for their comfortable grip and bold ink. They dry quickly, making them smear-proof, ideal for left-handed teachers.

3. Sharpie Fine Point Permanent Markers: When you need bold and long-lasting marks, Sharpie pens are the way to go. They’re perfect for labeling items and writing on various surfaces.

4. Bic Atlantis Retractable Ballpoint Pens: These pens provide a smooth writing experience and feature an ergonomic grip, making them comfortable for extended use.

5. Staedtler Triplus Fineliner Pens: With a superfine tip, these pens allow for detailed writing and precise underlining. The wide range of colors is perfect for color-coding notes.

6. Zebra Z-Grip Retractable Ballpoint Pens: With their low price and reliable performance, Zebra Z-Grip pens are a favorite among many teachers. They also come in a variety of colors.

7. Uni-ball Signo Gel Pens: These pens feature smooth gel ink that writes consistently without smudging. They are also comfortable to hold and come with a secure clip.

8. Pilot Precise V5 Rollerball Pens: Known for their precise and extra fine tip, these pens are great for when you need to write with accuracy. The ink flows smoothly, ensuring clean lines.

9. Pentel EnerGel Liquid Gel Pens: These pens combine the smoothness of a gel pen with quick-drying ink. They are perfect for fast note-taking and provide a comfortable writing experience.

10. Paper Mate InkJoy Gel Pens: Offering a wide range of colors, these pens provide a smooth and effortless writing experience. They have a comfortable grip and dry quickly.

11. Muji Gel Ink Ballpoint Pens: These minimalist pens are loved for their comfortable grip and smooth ink flow. They come in a variety of colors and are great for everyday use.

12. Faber-Castell Grip Plus Ballpoint Pens: With their triangular shape and ergonomic grip, these pens ensure fatigue-free writing. The ink dries quickly and doesn’t smudge.

13. Schneider Slider XB ViscoGlide Ballpoint Pens: Featuring innovative ink technology, these pens glide effortlessly across the page. They are durable and have a comfortable grip.

14. Tombow Dual Brush Pens: If you’re a teacher who enjoys hand lettering or creating colorful visuals, these dual brush pens are perfect. They offer a wide range of vibrant colors.

15. Pilot FriXion Clicker Erasable Gel Pens: When you need the option to erase your writing, these pens are a game-changer. They write smoothly and erase cleanly without damaging the paper.

16. Stabilo Point 88 Fineliner Pens: These classic fineliner pens have a metal-encased tip and a wide range of colors. They are perfect for writing, underlining, and sketching.

17. Uni Pin Fineliner Pens: Loved by many for their waterproof and fade-resistant ink, these pens are ideal for detailed drawings and precise writing. They come in various tip sizes.

18. Sakura Pigma Micron Pens: These archival quality pens feature pigmented ink that is waterproof and fade-resistant. Perfect for detailed artwork and writing that stands the test of time.

19. Pentel R.S.V.P. Ballpoint Pens: These classic ballpoint pens offer a comfortable grip and smooth writing experience. They are reliable and perfect for everyday use.

20. Lamy Safari Fountain Pens: If you prefer a fountain pen, the Lamy Safari is a popular choice among teachers. It offers a smooth writing experience and comes in a variety of colors.

Whether you prefer gel pens, ballpoint pens, or fountain pens, this list has you covered. Each pen on this list provides a different writing experience, but they all have one thing in common – they are the best teacher pens that you’ll reach for over and over again.