One teacher preparation program worked toward improving teacher preparation by strengthening the network of support among teacher candidates, mentor teachers, and teacher educators. Drawing on third-generation cultural historical activity theory, we modeled activity systems framing the experiences of teacher candidates and contradictions within and between activity systems. Using cycles of learning over one year, we learned 1) how direct and indirect activity systems interact and 2) how meaningful and influential contradictions erupt between two systems. Contradictions included the theory-practice divide alongside the implementation of equity supports, the teacher candidates' navigation of their role, and shifting rules during the transition to distance learning across contexts during COVID-19. This study has implications for enacting dynamic, program-wide change in teacher education programs.