The 10 Best Grading Pens for Teachers in 2021

While many people might believe that finding the right pen is an easy task, us teachers know that this isn’t the case. The majority of this is driven by how much we use them, such as with grading and marking papers. We’ve spent a significant amount of time taking care of the paperwork and have burned through countless pens.

As a result, we’ve tried almost every brand that’s available, with being better than others. With the wealth of available options, the choice can be much harder than we might imagine.

You shouldn’t need to spend too much time thinking about the choice, as there are a few that can lay a claim to being some of the best pens for teachers. There are a variety of features that we looked at, such as how easy to use the pens are, how long the ink lasts, and much more.

10 Best Teacher Pens for the Money:

1. Pilot Precise V7 Stick Rolling Ball Pens, Fine Point

There are several reasons why this stands out from the crowd, such as how easy to use it is. With how much all teachers will use it, this is something that we’ll all want to take advantage of.

This comfort lasts for quite a significant amount of time, which is another benefit. This Pilot Precise also features a window into where the ink is held, which means that you’ll be able to determine when you’ll need to replace it.

Nobody wants to run out of ink when they’re grading papers, so you’ll be able to avoid much of this.

Many people who’ve bought the pens have noted how comfortable to use the pens are while highlighting the fact that you’ll be able to avoid many hand cramps.  One of the only drawbacks that’s repeatedly brought up is that it isn’t retractable, which is something that many teachers will look for.

If you’re looking for comfort and a long-lasting pen, then this is highly recommended. The fact that this is available in several colors means that it’s one of the best red pens for teachers

2. Pilot G2 Retractable Premium Gel Ink Roller Ball Pens, Fine Point, 3-Pack, Black Ink (31123)

When it comes to retractable pens, the Pilot G2 is a standout as it offers a variety of additional benefits too. Much of this is seen in the fact that it’s a gel pen, which means that it can dry much faster than many other inks.

When many of us look for a pen, we’ll want to ensure that the ink doesn’t bleed through one paper and into another. This is also something that’s avoided through the use of gel instead of ink. The Pilot G2 also features a comfort grip, which means that you should be able to use it for a considerable amount of time without wearing out your hand.

Many people who have bought the pens have noted that they don’t last as long as many other pens. This could mean that you’ll need to replace them much more often than other brands. Outside of this, they have been praised for the fact that it’s much more comfortable to use than others.

3. Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pens, Medium Point (0.7mm), Limited Edition

When it comes to finding the best grading pens for teachers, color variation can make a significant difference. This is one of the few areas where these Paper Mates are head and shoulders above the rest, as well as a few other places.

The water-based ink that the pens use is both fade and smear-resistant, so you shouldn’t have to worry about marks being damaged while you’re grading. Alongside this is the fact that the ink shouldn’t bleed through the paper, which can be another benefit when you’re grading papers.

While many teachers have praised how smear resistant the pens are, they’ve also noted that the ink released doesn’t stay uniform from color to color. With some colors, this isn’t going to be an issue, so you may be able to avoid the problem with specific colors.

The variety of choice that you’ll have with the Paper Mates make it one of the better options if you need to use several colors. This makes them the go-to option for this purpose.

4. Uni-ball Vision Elite Rollerball Pens, Micro Point

A steady and even flow of ink can be important to many teachers, which is a significant benefit of these pens. Much of this is driven by the fact that the pens feature a uni-flow ink system that ensures that the ink stays smooth while you’re writing, with color remaining intense over time.

Accidents can happen when you’re grading papers, with much of this involving water. This is something that you’ll be able to avoid with these Uni-ball Vision Elite pens, as they’re both water and fade resistant.

As such, you shouldn’t need to worry about accidents happening anytime soon.

Uni-ball Vision Elite buyers have praised the water-resistant ink, although they’ve noted that the pens have a habit of cutting through the paper. This is especially true if you’re a fast writer and are used to using a large amount of pressure when you write.

Outside of this, if you’re a somewhat clumsy writer or are just worried about water damage, then these should be the right choice for you.

5. Paper Mate Gel Pens

Paper Mate gel pens have a significant number of advantages, which the most prominent being that they have an ergonomic design that makes them one of the more comfortable to use. This can be a significant advantage when it comes to exam season.

Alongside this is the fact that have a reduced drying time compared to others.

Many people who have bought the pens have noted that they have a habit of developing a leak quickly. As a result, they mightn’t be the best for long-term use. Outside of this, they can be recommended for their ergonomic design, so they’re worth buying if you’re looking for quick and comfortable use.

6. Pilot FriXion Clicker Retractable Erasable Gel Pens

Many of us might make mistakes when we’re correcting papers, which means that we’ll want to erase certain grades. While this isn’t the case with many other pens, it’s certainly true with these, which is one of its largest benefits.

Alongside this is that the pack comes with a variety of vibrant colors to use, so you’ll be able to switch between them with ease.

While being able to erase the ink can be a significant advantage, many people have noted that the ink can disappear randomly over time. Though this shouldn’t be an issue for grading papers, it can present problems if you’re looking to make long-term notes.

If you’re prone to reconsidering the marks that you give students, these can be the right pens for you.

7. Sharpie Permanent Markers

Sharpies have been popular for a significant amount of time, which is driven by the various benefits that they offer. This includes the fact that the ink dries quickly and is both fade and water-resistant. As a result, you shouldn’t have to worry about any smearing while you’re grading.

Many Sharpie users have noted that the pens can start leaking quickly, which means that they mightn’t be suitable to use long-term. If you want something easy to use and offers precision writing, then these are the pens for you.

8. Pilot Metropolitan Collection Fountain Pen

A lot of teachers might want to focus on precision writing while they’re grading, which is one of the main benefits of these Pilot fountain pens. Alongside this is the fact that they’re easy to refill while also holding a significant amount of ink, so you shouldn’t need to worry about running out anytime soon.

Many people who have bought these pens have noted that the ink doesn’t flow as smoothly as it would with other pens. This can make it more difficult to write with, as well as making grading longer to do. This is minimized with the time you’ll save refilling and replacing them, which could make them worth it.

9. Pilot Juice Gel Ink Ballpoint Pen

Consistent and vibrant colors is the most notable benefit of this, which these is consistent across each pen in a pack. You’ll also be able to take advantage of a smooth flow of ink, which is something that many teachers may focus on.

Customers who bought these pens have noted that, while there’s a smooth flow of ink, writing can be thinner than necessary. Alongside this is that the pens have a habit of ripping through the paper, which many will want to avoid.

10. Vera Bradley Gel Pens

The look of a pen could mean a lot to many of us, which is where these Vera Bradley pens shine, as they feature a colorful design that’s more appealing than other brands. Alongside this, they’re smear and fade resistant, so you shouldn’t need to worry about mistakes.

These Vera Bradley have received praise from the majority of customers, although they have noted that the ink can wear out quickly.

Conclusion

If you’re considering what the best teacher pens are, then you shouldn’t go wrong with any of the above. When you’re doing so, you should weigh your options and make an informed choice based on your needs.

While each of the above have their benefits, they can also have drawbacks that you might want to avoid. What’s stopping you from making the right decision for you?