<p>People actively doing reserch are closer to the cutting edge of their area and also more dynamic and interesting than someobne who just passes on what is in the text books. Also they are much better connected with top grad schools and their recommendation will carry more weight than some unkown “teaching” prof. Most young profs coming our of grad school want to go where the best reseatch is being done. The “teaching” schools get the leftovers, in general.</p>