I teach a class on knots "for people who can't remember knots", and specifically for tent campers (in the SCA).
Basically, I teach the half-hitch (just to get the class introduced to the teaching style), the square (vs granny) for securing things until you want them freed, the figure 8 (for a variety of uses, including making a loop), and the tautline hitch (for tightening ropes). [0]
I then show them how to secure things on their car rooftops with a porter's hitch (trucker's hitch), and pitfalls to avoid there.
My focus is: simple, reuse of the fewest knots possible, and reliable.
I spoke to another knot teacher once, asking them why they taught the bowline knot. I was very seriously told: "If one of my students was ever in a life-or-death situation, it could blah blah blah!" Except... the bowline is in every way inferior to a figure 8, except for (1) amount of rope used and (2) bragging rights to "prove" you know knots.
It always amazes me how people glorify the bowline. It's harder to remember, more prone to breaking and slipping, and far harder to visually "check" for correctness.
[0]: I also venture a little abroad, like the surgeon's variation on the square. But it all builds on those three knots in slight variation.