Following an introductory section outlining basic concepts of systems theory, this paper presents a model for the examination of the relationship between formalized teacher education and larger systems. These systems include the university system, the field of education as a system, and the societal system in general. The first part of the model is an input-structure-output matrix; the second is a similar matrix which focuses on goals and evaluation methods and criteria. The second matrix is designed to facilitate examination of the systems in question according to certain criteria for a type of intersystemic relationship call "synergy." Synergy is considered a desirable phenomenon since it results from similar subsystems functioning so closely that the total effect is greater than sum of the subsystem effects. Sample data is provided for each matrix based on a study of the literature. It is suggested that the model would be most useful in specific research performed within a given region or national subsystem. (RT)