The human brain is plastic -- which means the brain changes its connectivity and even its structure in response to learning. This brief report highlights the following points: (1) A human's first learning experiences are foundational for later education, and experiences in the early years of life can greatly impact on later achievement; (2) Waves of overproduction and pruning back of brain connections occur until late adolescence, making all childhood a special time for learning; (3) Human biology does not set a defined limit to what one can achieve. The plasticity of a student's brain means the student and their teacher play an important role in constructing it; (4) Although younger brains are more plastic, human brains remain plastic throughout a human's lifetime, supporting a person's lifelong ability to learn; and (5) Understanding plasticity is important for students and teachers. The brain shapes one's learning but learning also shapes one's brain. [This report was written in partnership with the International Brain Research Organization (IBRO).]